elm

American  

[elm] / ɛlm /

noun

1. any tree of the genus Ulmus, as U. procera English elm, characterized by the gradually spreading columnar manner of growth of its branches.

2. the wood of such a tree.

---

elm British  

/ ɛlm /

noun

1. any ulmaceous tree of the genus Ulmus, occurring in the N hemisphere, having serrated leaves and winged fruits (samaras): cultivated for shade, ornament, and timber

2. the hard heavy wood of this tree

---

Etymology

Origin of elm

before 1000; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Old High German elm; akin to Old Norse almr, Latin ulmus

Example Sentences

I left the concrete path and shimmied through an opening in the dense bushes that led to deeper green—tall elm, fir, and birch standing together.

From Literature

Out front, Anna May sat in an elm scholar’s chair, running her fingers along the thin curved arms.

From Literature

Adults lay their eggs on elm trees and their decline has been linked to the spread of Dutch elm disease across Europe in the 20th Century.

From BBC

Huge red oaks, white oaks, maple, locust, and elm trees were growing here and there on the lawn.

From Literature

And when things feel hopeless, we step outside our door and watch the golden light stream through our old California elm.

From Los Angeles Times