sassafras

The leaf of Sassafras albidum

Meaning

Noun

  • A tree of species Sassafras albidum (species) of the eastern United States and Asia having mitten-shaped leaves and red, aromatic heartwood.
  • A tree of any species in the genus Sassafras.
  • The bark of the root of this plant, used for medicinal and (mostly historically) culinary purposes and formerly a main ingredient in root beer.

Related

Similar words

Origin

  • From Spanish sasafrás, possibly from Latin saxifragus ("stone-breaking") from the habit of certain plants growing in cracks in boulders.

Modern English dictionary

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