ginseng

[ jin-seng ]

noun

1. any of several plants of the genus Panax, especially P. pseudoginseng, of eastern Asia, or P. qinquefolius, of North America, having an aromatic root used medicinally.
2. the root itself.
3. a preparation made from it.

ginseng

/ ˈdʒɪnsɛŋ /

noun

1. either of two araliaceous plants, Panax schinseng of China or P. quinquefolius of North America, whose forked aromatic roots are used medicinally
2. the root of either of these plants or a substance obtained from the roots, believed to possess stimulant, tonic, and energy-giving properties

Word History and Origins

Origin of ginseng¹

1645–55; < Chinese (Wade-Giles) jên2 shên1, (Pinyin) rén-shēn, equivalent to rén man + shēn name for a kind of herb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ginseng¹

C17: from Mandarin Chinese jen shen, from jen man (from a resemblance of the roots to human legs) + shen ginseng

Example Sentences

From a north central county known for ginseng farming and downhill skiing, he has served on the local school board, the Marathon County Board and the village board of trustees in Weston, population 15,000.

From New York Times

In the search for alternative drug candidates, researchers reporting in ACS Central Science have discovered and fully replicated a compound from a botanical source, female ginseng, that had potent anti-osteoporotic activity in cellular tests.

From Science Daily

By pairing caffeine with other buzzy active ingredients like ginseng, carnitine, creatine and ginkgo biloba, they position these drinks as enhancers of mental alertness and concentration, too.

From Salon

In the pharmacy, the visitors swept up ointments and instant coffee, but left high-value goods like ginseng untouched.

From New York Times

Smith's father had lost savings in an ill-fated ginseng deal, plunging the family into two decades of poverty.

From Salon