leatherwood

[ leth-er-wood ]

noun

1. an American shrub, Dirca palustris, having a tough bark.

leatherwood

/ ˈlɛðəˌwʊd /

noun

1. Also calledwicopy a North American thymelaeaceous shrub, Dirca palustris, with pale yellow flowers and tough flexible branches
2. any of various Australian shrubs of the family Cunoniaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of leatherwood¹

An Americanism dating back to 1735–45; leather + wood ¹

Example Sentences

You will wonder whether obtaining a jar of Tasmanian leatherwood honey, which pairs with lentils, beer and smoked cheeses, could be worth the bother.

From Washington Post

In California grows a tree called by three popular names: leatherwood, slippery elm, and silver oak.

From Project Gutenberg

Never before have I seen the California slippery elm or leatherwood tree in such perfect form.

From Project Gutenberg

If well grown, the leatherwood makes a very neat plant; blossoms appear before the leaves, but not showy; 4-6 ft.

From Project Gutenberg

"I have a substitute at hand, ma belle," and Louis pointed to the strips of leatherwood that he had collected for binding the dressings on his cousin's foot.

From Project Gutenberg