Word Study
tupelo
CIDE DICTIONARY
tupelo, n. [Tupelo, or tupebo, the native American Indian name.].
A North American tree (Nyssa multiflora ) of the Dogwood family, having brilliant, glossy foliage and acid red berries. The wood is crossgrained and very difficult to split. Called also black gum , sour gum , and pepperidge . [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
tupelo, n. (pl. -os)
1 any of various Asian and N. American deciduous trees of the genus Nyssa, with colourful foliage and growing in swampy conditions.
2 the wood of this tree.
1 any of various Asian and N. American deciduous trees of the genus Nyssa, with colourful foliage and growing in swampy conditions.
2 the wood of this tree.
Etymology
Creek f. ito tree + opilwa swamp
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