slippery elm

an elm, Ulmus rubra, of eastern North America, having a mucilaginous inner bark.

the bark of this elm, used as a demulcent.

Origin of slippery elm

First recorded in 1740–50

They make excellent poultices from the bark of the bass and the slippery-elm.

Life in the Backwoods |Susanna Moodie
The women's hair is made very stiff and shiny by a paste prepared from a wood which resembles the slippery-elm.

The Nursery, No. 107, November, 1875, Vol. XVIII. |Various
Then you cannot mistake the inner bark of the slippery-elm, which is fragrant, thick, and gummy.

On the Trail |Lina Beard and Adelia Belle Beard
Characteristic and beautiful form, smooth buds; leaves, smaller than those of Slippery-elm, are rough only when rubbed one way.

The Principal Species of Wood: Their Characteristic Properties |Charles H. (Charles Henry) Snow

The inner bark and the root of the slippery-elm are not only pleasant to the taste but are said to be nutritious.

On the Trail |Lina Beard and Adelia Belle Beard

slippery elm

a tree, Ulmus fulva, of E North America, having oblong serrated leaves, notched winged fruits, and a mucilaginous inner bark

the bark of this tree, used medicinally as a demulcent

Also called: red elm