mountain sumac
- noun
- US
:
sumaque de montaña
- Hikers should learn to identify mountain sumac, which is common along many forest trails in the eastern United States.
Examples
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Birds are often attracted to the bright red berries of the mountain sumac.
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The mountain sumac blooms in the summer, adding splashes of green and red to the landscape.
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The mountain sumac grows abundantly in this region.
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Look at that mountain sumac!
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Birds are often attracted to the bright red berries of the mountain sumac.
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Hikers should learn to identify mountain sumac, which is common along many forest trails in the eastern United States.
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The mountain sumac blooms in the summer, adding splashes of green and red to the landscape.
Synonyms
4
6.5
A small tree or shrub with clusters of red berries used as a spice and for decoration
A low bush from eastern North America with divided leaves and clusters of red berries that attract birds
A common harmless shrub from eastern North America with red berries
A common not poisonous shrub from eastern North America with winged leaf stalks and red berries
A shrub from eastern North America with red berries and leaves that turn bright red in fall
A common shrub from eastern North America with smooth, waxy leaves and clusters of red berries
A small bush with shiny leaves and groups of red berries that is not poisonous
A shrub from eastern North America that is not poisonous with waxy leaves and clusters of red berries
A small tree or shrub with velvety branches, bright red autumn leaves, and red berries
A small tree or bush with leaves that turn bright red in autumn and clusters of red berries
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun-noun compound 'mountain sumac' is compositionally interpretable as a type of sumac associated with mountains, so a B1 learner who knows 'mountain' and 'sumac' can infer it denotes a shrub of that kind or habitat. This follows common compounding patterns (denoting a subtype or habitat) and is not idiomatic or metaphorical, making the meaning transparent.
Etymology
Mountain sumac probably gets its name from the plant's look and place: a sumac is a small 'shrub' with bright red berries, and this kind often grows on hills or mountains. So the name means a 'sumac' that lives on higher ground, which helps you remember the shrub and its berries.