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Glite Dictionary
tacamahac

tacamahac

9.9
A tall tree with broad heart-shaped leaves like a balsam poplar
  • noun
  • /ˌtækəˈmɑːhæk/
  • Archaic
translation icon : tacamahac
  • The broad leaves of the tacamahac create welcome shade along the riverbank.

Examples

  • The old tacamahac in our yard stands tall among the maples and oaks.

  • Native Americans once used resin from the tacamahac tree for medicinal purposes.

  • The tacamahac tree is known for its tall stature.

  • Many tacamahacs grow near the riverbank.

  • The broad heart-shaped leaves of the tacamahac are admired for their beauty in many parks.

  • In northeastern North America, the tacamahac tree provides important wildlife habitat.

  • It's common to see a tacamahac tree growing near wetlands and riverbanks.

Synonyms

Populus balsamifera
vstacamahac
  • Specialized
9.5

A poplar tree with broad heart-shaped leaves and sticky buds that have a strong smell

is the broader common name that includes this specific species
balsam poplar
vstacamahac
  • US
7.0

A tree with broad heart-shaped leaves and sticky buds that smell sweet

is the broader traditional name that includes this species
hackmatack
vstacamahac
  • US
9.9

A type of poplar tree with broad heart-shaped leaves that grows in northeast North America

is a more specific term for one species, not the general tree name

Surface Forms

tacamahac singular
tacamahacs plural

Etymology

The word tacamahac comes from a Native American word for a tree and its sticky sap that people used as medicine. So, think of tacamahac as a poplar whose 'balsam' or healing sap made it important, and that is why the name refers to the tree.