·noun 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.
·- A species of large tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) growing in swamps in the southern of the United States...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language