sweet gum

noun

1. a tall, aromatic tree, Liquidambar styraciflua, of the eastern U.S., having star-shaped leaves and fruits in rounded, burlike clusters.
2. the hard reddish-brown wood of this tree, used for making furniture.
3. the amber balsam exuded by this tree, used in the manufacture of perfumes and medicines.

sweet gum

noun

1. See sour gum
   a North American liquidambar tree, Liquidambar styraciflua, having prickly spherical fruit clusters and fragrant sap: the wood (called satin walnut ) is used to make furniture Compare sour gum
2. the sap of this tree

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweet gum¹

An Americanism dating back to 1690–1700

Example Sentences

On our way I saw Lejoillie eagerly eyeing the branches of a tree producing a sweet gum.

From Project Gutenberg

Sweet gum, walnut, or oak may be left in its natural state, and oiled to bring out the grain and finish.

From Project Gutenberg

In the "flats" in certain parts of Jackson and Scott Counties it becomes a common tree, associated with pin oak and sweet gum.

From Project Gutenberg

Usually it is associated with such low ground species as pecan, sweet gum, swell-butt ash, and the cane.

From Project Gutenberg

Sweet gum should be one of the principal species in wet places of the woodlots of southern Indiana.

From Project Gutenberg