Word Study
snakeroot
CIDE DICTIONARY
snakeroot, n.
Any one of several plants of different genera and species, most of which are (or were formerly) reputed to be efficacious as remedies for the bites of serpents; also, the roots of any of these. [1913 Webster]
" The Virginia snakeroot is Aristolochia Serpentaria ; black snakeroot is Sanicula , esp. S. Marilandica , also Cimicifuga racemosa ; Seneca snakeroot is Polygala Senega ; button snakeroot is Liatris , also Eryngium ; white snakeroot is Eupatorium ageratoides . The name is also applied to some others besides these." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
snakeroot, n. any of various N. American plants, esp. Cimicifuga racemosa, with roots reputed to contain an antidote to snake's poison.
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