AILANTO
\e͡ɪlˈantə͡ʊ], \eɪlˈantəʊ], \eɪ_l_ˈa_n_t_əʊ]\
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[=e]l-an'to, n. a lofty and beautiful tree, native to South-eastern Asia, but grown to shade public walks in France and Italy. Its leaves give food to a species of silkworm--it is sometimes called the Vernis du Japon, or Japan Varnish, apparently by confusion with certain species of Rhus.--Also AILAN'TUS. [Native Amboyna name, meaning 'tree of the gods.']
By Thomas Davidson
Word of the day
hydromorphic
- [Greek] Structurally adapted to an aquatic environment, as organs of water plants.