Advertisement

Advertisement

ailanthus

[ ey-lan-thuhs ]

noun

, plural ai·lan·thus·es.
  1. any tree belonging to the genus Ailanthus, of the quassia family, especially A. altissima, widely grown in cities.


ailanthus

/ eɪˈlænθəs /

noun

  1. an E Asian simaroubaceous deciduous tree, Ailanthus altissima, planted in Europe and North America, having pinnate leaves, small greenish flowers, and winged fruits Also calledtree of heaven


Discover More

Other Words From

  • ai·lanthic adjective

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of ailanthus1

1788; < New Latin Ailantus, Ailanthus ( th by association with Greek ánthos flower) < Central Moluccan ai lanit ( o ), ai lanit ( e ), equivalent to ai tree, wood + lanit sky + -o, -e a definite article

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of ailanthus1

C19: New Latin, from native name (in Amboina) ai lanto tree (of) the gods

Discover More

Example Sentences

I called his attention to the fact that the ailanthus lives only to express itself, while the maple gives sugar.

The house at the end of the lane could be glimpsed through its grove of locusts, paper mulberry and towering ailanthus.

In the Balsam Poplar the buds are large, sharp-pointed, and gummy; in the Ailanthus they cannot be seen.

Medium-sized tree (20 to 40 ft.), with Ailanthus-like leaves which turn bright red in autumn, and remain long on the tree.

Cynthia will thrive on nothing except ailanthus, though it will eat one or two other things, but not oak.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

firkin

[fur-kin ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


ailailanthus silkworm