ailanthus
any tree belonging to the genus Ailanthus, of the quassia family, especially A. altissima, widely grown in cities.
Origin of ailanthus
1Other words from ailanthus
- ai·lan·thic, adjective
- Compare tree of heaven.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use ailanthus in a sentence
I called his attention to the fact that the ailanthus lives only to express itself, while the maple gives sugar.
Riviera Towns | Herbert Adams GibbonsThe house at the end of the lane could be glimpsed through its grove of locusts, paper mulberry and towering ailanthus.
The Stronghold | Miriam HaynieIn the Balsam Poplar the buds are large, sharp-pointed, and gummy; in the ailanthus they cannot be seen.
Trees of the Northern United States | Austin C. ApgarMedium-sized tree (20 to 40 ft.), with ailanthus-like leaves which turn bright red in autumn, and remain long on the tree.
Trees of the Northern United States | Austin C. ApgarCynthia will thrive on nothing except ailanthus, though it will eat one or two other things, but not oak.
British Dictionary definitions for ailanthus
/ (eɪˈlænθəs) /
an E Asian simaroubaceous deciduous tree, Ailanthus altissima, planted in Europe and North America, having pinnate leaves, small greenish flowers, and winged fruits: Also called: tree of heaven
Origin of ailanthus
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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