from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sumac \Su"mac\, Sumach \Su"mach\, n. [F. sumac, formerly sumach
(cf. Sp. zumaque), fr. Ar. summ[=a]q.] [Written also
{shumac}.]
1. (Bot.) Any plant of the genus {Rhus}, shrubs or small
trees with usually compound leaves and clusters of small
flowers. Some of the species are used in tanning, some in
dyeing, and some in medicine. One, the Japanese {Rhus
vernicifera}, yields the celebrated Japan varnish, or
lacquer.
[1913 Webster]
2. The powdered leaves, peduncles, and young branches of
certain species of the sumac plant, used in tanning and
dyeing.
[1913 Webster]
{Poison sumac}. (Bot.) See under {Poison}.
[1913 Webster]