dogwood

[ dawg-wood, dog- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any tree or shrub of the genus Cornus, especially C. sanguinea, of Europe, or C. florida, of America.
the wood of any such tree.
a light to medium brown or a medium yellowish-brown color.

dogwood

/ ˈdɒɡˌwʊd /

any of various cornaceous trees or shrubs of the genus Cornus , esp C. sanguinea, a European shrub with clusters of small white flowers and black berries: the shoots are red in winter

Origin of dogwood¹

First recorded in 1610–20; dog + wood ¹

It is popularly known in the United States as "poison sumach," "poison dogwood" and "poison elder."

A slight shower of rain fell in the afternoon; and during our ride we first observed the dogwood (cornus florida).

An occasional golden dogwood leaf fluttered past the open windows, like a lazy yellow bird.

At last, "Let's go for a walk—you and me," she said, jumping up and going towards the dogwood thicket.

But she came back smiling and trailing great branches of white dogwood over her shoulder and down her sky-blue gown.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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