sumac: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowNeutral; Technical (Botany, Culinary)
Quick answer
What does “sumac” mean?
A shrub or small tree of the genus Rhus, characterised by compound leaves, clusters of small red or white berries, and foliage that often turns bright red in autumn.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A shrub or small tree of the genus Rhus, characterised by compound leaves, clusters of small red or white berries, and foliage that often turns bright red in autumn.
A tangy, reddish-purple spice made from the dried and ground berries of certain non-poisonous sumac species, used extensively in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Persian cuisine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or application. The alternate spelling 'sumach' is historically more common in British English but now rare.
Connotations
In both varieties, primarily associated with botany, autumn foliage, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Largely a specialist term.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, with slightly higher recognition in the US due to native species and culinary trends.
Grammar
How to Use “sumac” in a Sentence
sumac (plant/spice)sumac of [type/region]sumac for [purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Imports of ground sumac have increased due to growing demand for Middle Eastern spices.
Academic
The phytochemical composition of Rhus coriaria exhibits significant antioxidant properties.
Everyday
I'm going to add a pinch of sumac to the salad for a bit of zing.
Technical
The high tannin content in certain sumac species makes them valuable in traditional leather tanning processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sumac”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sumac”
- Pronouncing it /ˈsʌmæk/ (like 'some' + 'ack') is incorrect. Use /ˈsuːmæk/ or /ˈʃuːmæk/.
- Assuming all sumac is poisonous; in fact, the culinary spice is safe and widely used.
- Misspelling as 'sumach' (archaic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Only specific species, such as Rhus coriaria, are cultivated for the edible spice. Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is highly irritating and must be avoided.
The closest substitute is a mixture of lemon zest and a tiny amount of paprika for colour, though it won't replicate the full, complex tartness.
It is a key ingredient in za'atar spice blends, used as a seasoning for meats, salads, rice dishes, and as a table condiment, often mixed with oil for dipping bread.
It enters English via Old French 'sumac', from Medieval Latin 'sumach', ultimately from Arabic 'summāq' (meaning 'red').
A shrub or small tree of the genus Rhus, characterised by compound leaves, clusters of small red or white berries, and foliage that often turns bright red in autumn.
Sumac is usually neutral; technical (botany, culinary) in register.
Sumac: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃuːmæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːmæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SUMac' as a 'SUper' red 'MAC' (like a macaw's red feathers) in autumn, or as the 'SU-per' spice for 'MAC' and cheese (adding a tangy twist).
Conceptual Metaphor
Sumac as a source of transformation: from a simple shrub to a vibrant autumn spectacle, and from a berry to a transformative spice that changes a dish's flavour profile.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary culinary characteristic of ground sumac?