slippery elm

noun

1. an elm, Ulmus rubra, of eastern North America, having a mucilaginous inner bark.
2. the bark of this elm, used as a demulcent.

slippery elm

noun

1. a tree, Ulmus fulva, of E North America, having oblong serrated leaves, notched winged fruits, and a mucilaginous inner bark
2. the bark of this tree, used medicinally as a demulcent

Word History and Origins

Origin of slippery elm¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

All the singers drink slippery elm tea, but I got tired of it and I got into a bunch of different teas, like Earl Grey and rooibos tea, which is really popular in South Africa.

From New York Times

Whether or not they actually suggested it, the “black ball” recipe contains dried raisins and figs, olive oil, charcoal, glycerin, senna and slippery elm.

From Seattle Times

“That was my first taste of slippery elm,” Mr. Perry recalled.

From Washington Post

But for the most part, these traces were obliterated, with the hedges running wild and native trees—slippery elm and tamarack—outnumbering the quince and Japanese maple.

From Literature

“Honey. If you can get hold of any slippery elm powder, add a bit of that as well. But a spoonful of honey should help on its own,” I say.

From Literature