ailanthus

ai·lan·thus  (-lnths)

n.

Any of several deciduous Asian trees of the genus Ailanthus, especially the tree-of-heaven.

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[New Latin Ailanthus, genus name, alteration (influenced by Greek anthos, flower) of Ambonese ai lanto, tree of heaven : ai, tree + lanto, heaven.]

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ailanthus [eɪˈlænθəs]

n pl -thuses

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) 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

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

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

ailanthus - any of several deciduous Asian trees of the genus Ailanthus genus Ailanthus - small genus of east Asian and Chinese trees with odd-pinnate leaves and long twisted samaras Ailanthus altissima, tree of heaven, tree of the gods - deciduous rapidly growing tree of China with foliage like sumac and sweetish fetid flowers; widely planted in United States as a street tree because of its resistance to pollution angiospermous tree, flowering tree - any tree having seeds and ovules contained in the ovary