liquidambar

noun

liq·​uid·​am·​bar ˌli-kwə-ˈdam-bər How to pronounce liquidambar (audio)
1
2
: any of a genus (Liquidambar) of deciduous North American and Asian trees (such as the sweet gum) of the witch-hazel family with monoecious flowers and a spiny globose fruit composed of many woody capsules each having two carpels

Examples of liquidambar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Spreading under the liquidambar is a field of white alyssum. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin liquidus + Medieval Latin ambar, ambra amber

First Known Use

circa 1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of liquidambar was circa 1577

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liquidambar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liquidambar. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

liquidambar

noun
liq·​uid·​am·​bar ˌlik-wə-ˈdam-bər How to pronounce liquidambar (audio)
1
a
capitalized : a genus of trees (family Altingiaceae) with a spiny globose fruit that is a cluster of many woody capsules
b
: any tree of the genus Liquidambar
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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