liquidambar

liquidambar [lik-wid-am-ber, lik-wid-am-] ExamplesWord Origin noun

1. any tree of the genus Liquidambar, including the sweet gum.
2. the fragrant, yellowish, balsamic liquid exuded by this tree, used in medicine.Compare storax(def 2).

Origin of liquidambar 1590–1600; New Latin: genus name. See liquid, amber Examples from the Web for liquidambar Historical Examples of liquidambar

But as to the liquidambar, or sweet-gum, there can be no question.

Getting Acquainted with the Trees

J. Horace McFarland

The coloring of the Liquidambar in the fall is very beautiful.

Woodcraft

Alan Douglas

The trees were the liquidambar styraciflua, sweet or red gum, and were sent from the South.

Special Days and their Observance

Anonymous

The sweet-gum, copalm, or alligator tree (Liquidambar styraciflua).

Original Narratives of Early American History

Vaca and Others

There is not a more characteristic tree known than the sweet-gum, or liquidambar.

Evolution

Joseph Le Conte

British Dictionary definitions for liquidambar liquidambar noun

1. any deciduous tree of the hamamelidaceous genus Liquidambar, of Asia and North and Central America, with star-shaped leaves, and exuding a yellow aromatic balsamSee also sweet gum
2. the balsam of this tree, used in medicineSee also storax (def. 1)

Word Origin for liquidambar C16: New Latin, from Latin liquidus liquid + Medieval Latin ambar amber