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

Invaders such as kudzu, stiltgrass and ailanthus are having a party no one seems able to break up.

From Washington Post

The list includes English ivy, porcelain berry, bush and vining honeysuckles, ailanthus, Japanese viburnums, burning bush and wisterias.

From Washington Post

Problem trees and shrubs include ailanthus, callery or Bradford pear, autumn olive, bush honeysuckles, winged burning bush and Japanese barberry.

From Washington Post

I felt the warm wind and smelled newly cut grass, and a bird perched on a branch of the ailanthus and sang for a long time before it flew away.

From Literature

In the neglected, ivy-covered garden, with its centerpiece, a glorious ailanthus tree, Santangelo discovered several unsigned sculptures in terracotta and cement.

From New York Times