Ulmus
/ˈʊl.mʊs/noun
A genus of deciduous trees known as elms.
Did you know?Latin *ulmus* is the source of scientific names for elm trees, and its deep pre-Latin origin is still uncertain, which makes it one of those ancient plant words that seem to have arrived already old.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁el- / *ul-
“A proposed ancient root behind words for elm in several European languages, though the exact origin is uncertain.”
Latin
Latin
ulmus
“Elm tree.”
Late Latin
Latin
ulmus
“Elm, especially in learned and botanical usage.”
Old French
Old French
orme
“Elm tree.”
Middle English
English
elm
“The elm tree.”
Modern English
English
elm
“A deciduous tree of the genus Ulmus.”