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Tupelo

2 stages from Muscogee (Creek) to English.

Today it means a swamp-dwelling tree of the southeastern United States, known for producing prized tupelo honey

Where does the word "tupelo" come from? It comes from Muscogee (Creek) ito opilwa, adopted directly into English (1730s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
ito opilwa
Muscogee (Creek) · pre-1700s
"swamp tree"
combined 'ito' (tree) and 'opilwa' (swamp), describing the tree's wetland habitat
2
Stage 2 of 2
tupelo
English · 1730s
"a swamp-dwelling tree valued for its wood and honey-producing flowers"
adopted by English colonists in the American Southeast for the black gum swamp tree
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