the ash, in botany, a genus of trees, belonging to the polygamia dioecia class. The calyx of the hermaphrodite is divided into four parts; it has no corolla; the stamens are two; and it has but one pistil: the female has one pistil, and one lanceolate seed. There are three species, only one of which, viz., the excelsior or common ash, is a native of Britain.

The wood of this tree is in great use among several artificers, as wheelwrights, cartwrights, carpenters, turners, &c. also for making ploughs, harrows, axle-trees, oars, balls, &c. It is said to be as lasting for building as oak, and often preferred before it; though the timber of the trunk greatly excells that of a bough.