Pronunciation: [ɹˈuːz] (IPA) 
The word "rhus" is spelled with four letters, but its pronunciation can be a bit tricky. The IPA phonetic transcription for "rhus" is /rʌs/. The "r" is pronounced with a slight trill, the "u" sounds like the "u" in "sun," and the "h" is silent. The "s" is pronounced as the standard "s" sound. "Rhus" is a genus of plants that includes sumac, and it is also used as a botanical name for some species of sumac.
Rhus is a noun that refers to a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Anacardiaceae. This botanical genus includes approximately 250 species, commonly known as sumacs or cashews. These plants are mostly native to subtropical and temperate regions spanning across Africa, North America, and Eurasia.
The sumac plants within the Rhus genus are characterized by their shrubby or small tree form, with pinnately compound leaves that typically have serrated margins. The flowers of Rhus species are small and inconspicuous, usually arranged in dense clusters known as panicles. These plants also bear fruits called drupes, which are usually red or purple and contain a seed. The drupes of some Rhus species have culinary or medicinal uses.
Many Rhus species are valued for their ornamental qualities, with their vibrant autumn foliage bringing a splash of color to gardens and landscapes. Some species, such as Rhus typhina (staghorn sumac), are known for their ability to colonize disturbed areas and act as pioneer plants.
Additionally, certain Rhus species have historical significance due to their use in traditional remedies and the extraction of tannins for leather production. The dried fruits of some species, such as Rhus coriaria, have been used as a spice or flavoring agent in cuisines around the world.
In summary, Rhus is a genus of flowering plants, known as sumacs, that are distributed across various regions and prized for their ornamental qualities, traditional uses, and culinary applications.
A genus of trees of the order Anacardiacece, several species of which are employed in medicine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "rhus" has its etymology from ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "rhous", which was used to refer to the genus of shrubs and small trees that include poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac. The term "rhus" was adopted in taxonomic nomenclature to classify plants belonging to this botanical group.
