n.
Variant: also su · mach
Pronunciation: ' shü- ˌ mak, ' sü-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English sumac, from Anglo-French, ultimately from Arabic summ ā q
Date: 14th century
1 : a material used in tanning and dyeing that consists of dried powdered leaves and flowers of various sumacs
2 : any of a genus ( Rhus ) of trees, shrubs, and woody vines of the cashew family that have leaves turning to brilliant colors in the autumn, small usually dioecious flowers, and spikes or loose clusters of red or whitish berries ― compare POISON IVY , POISON OAK , POISON SUMAC