liquidambar

[ lik-wid-am-ber, lik-wid-am- ]

noun

1. any tree of the genus Liquidambar, including the sweet gum.
2. the fragrant, yellowish, balsamic liquid exuded by this tree, used in medicine. Compare storax ( def 2 ).

liquidambar

/ ˌlɪkwɪdˈæmbə /

noun

1. any deciduous tree of the hamamelidaceous genus Liquidambar, of Asia and North and Central America, with star-shaped leaves, and exuding a yellow aromatic balsam See also sweet gum
2. the balsam of this tree, used in medicine See also storax

Word History and Origins

Origin of liquidambar¹

1590–1600; < New Latin: genus name. See liquid, amber

Word History and Origins

Origin of liquidambar¹

C16: New Latin, from Latin liquidus liquid + Medieval Latin ambar amber

Example Sentences

In Melbourne, corellas have made a home in suburbs with large numbers of liquidambar trees, whose seeds they particularly like.

From New York Times

The property is a treasure trove of trees including oak, redwoods, liquidambars, sycamores, evergreens, apple and citrus.

From Los Angeles Times

The spiky seed pods from liquidambar trees also can be used for barriers.

From Los Angeles Times

A liquidambar tree offers shade and semi-privacy in a newly created seating area lined with decomposed granite.

From Los Angeles Times

Trees on the lot include plum, sugar maple, cherry blossoms and liquidambar.

From Wall Street Journal