sumac Definition

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

a material used in tanning and dyeing that consists of dried powdered leaves and flowers of various sumacs

the tart dried and ground red berries of several sumacs (such as Rhus coriaria) used as a spice especially in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking

a swamp shrub (Toxicodendron vernix synonym Rhus vernix) chiefly of the eastern U.S. and Canada that has pinnate leaves, greenish flowers, and greenish white berries and produces an irritating oil —called also poison dogwood

a sumac (Rhus typhina) of eastern North America that is a shrub or small tree with velvety-pubescent branches and flower stalks, leaves turning brilliant red in fall, and dense panicles of greenish-yellow flowers followed by hairy crimson fruits