an E Asian simaroubaceous deciduous tree, Ailanthus altissima, planted in Europe and North America, having pinnate leaves, small greenish flowers, and winged fruits
Also called: tree of heaven
Word origin
C19: New Latin, from native name (in Amboina) ai lanto tree (of) the gods
ailanthus in American English
(eɪˈlænθəs)
nounWord forms: pluralaiˈlanthuses
any tree or shrub of a genus (Ailanthus) of the quassia family, having pointed leaflets, fine-grained wood, and clusters of small, greenish flowers with an unpleasant odor
see also tree of heaven
Derived forms
ailanthic (aiˈlanthic)
adjective
Word origin
ModL, altered (by assoc. with Gr anthos, flower) < ai lanit, lit., tree of heaven, the name in a language of Moluccas, Indonesia
Examples of 'ailanthus' in a sentence
ailanthus
Chop down an ailanthus or robinia tree and distant suckers will pop up.