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

Other Words From

• ai·lanthic adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ailanthus¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg