sumac

 
Pronunciation: /ˈs(j)uːmak, ˈʃuː-/
(also sumach)

noun

  • a shrub or small tree with compound leaves, reddish hairy fruits in conical clusters, and bright autumn colours.
    • Genera Rhus and Cotinus, family Anacardiaceae: several species, including the Mediterranean R. coriaria and the North American staghorn sumac (R. typhina), often grown as an ornamental
  • the fruits of the Mediterranean sumac, used as a spice, especially in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Origin:

Middle English (denoting the dried and ground leaves of R. coriaria used in tanning and dyeing): from Old French sumac or medieval Latin sumac(h), from Arabic summāq