ailanthus

[ ey-lan-thuh s ]
/ eɪˈlæn θəs /

noun, plural ai·lan·thus·es.

any tree belonging to the genus Ailanthus, of the quassia family, especially A. altissima, widely grown in cities.
Compare tree of heaven.

Origin of ailanthus

1788; < New Latin Ailantus, Ailanthus ( th by association with Greek ánthos flower) < Central Moluccan ai lanit(o), ai lanit(e), equivalent to ai tree, wood + lanit sky + -o, -e a definite article

OTHER WORDS FROM ailanthus

ai·lan·thic, adjective

Words nearby ailanthus

aih, aiken, aikido, aikona, ail, ailanthus, ailanthus silkworm, aileen, aileron, aileron roll, ailette

Example sentences from the Web for ailanthus

British Dictionary definitions for ailanthus

ailanthus
/ (eɪˈlænθəs) /

noun plural -thuses

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 for ailanthus

C19: New Latin, from native name (in Amboina) ai lanto tree (of) the gods