The Arabic origins of the word 'sumac'

'Sumac' is a word borrowed from Arabic 'summāqā'. The word entered the English language some time around the 14th century.

sumac [noun] [14th century]

• a material used in tanning and dyeing that consists of dried powdered leaves and flowers of various
• any of a genus (Rhus) of trees, shrubs, and woody vines of the cashew family that have leaves turning to brilliant co...

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

Etymology: Middle English sumac; from Anglo-French; ultimately from Arabic summaq.

Topics: Plants:Herbs, Food:Spices.

Origin: From Arabic to French to Latin to Aramaic to English.

note: Origin: Derived from Arabic through Old French and Medieval Latin. Etymology: From Arabic summāq (sumac) which is derived from the Aramaic summāqā meaning red. Context: The name refers to the deep red color of the berries of the plant which are dried and ground into a spice.

See 'sumac' on the Loan Words Map

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