pinkroot

[ pingk-root, -root ]

noun

1. the root of any of various plants belonging to the genus Spigelia, of the logania family, especially that of S. marilandica of the U.S., that is used as a vermifuge.
2. any of these plants.

pinkroot

/ ˈpɪŋkˌruːt /

noun

1. any of several loganiaceous plants of the genus Spigelia, esp S. marilandica, of the southeastern US, having red-and-yellow flowers and pink roots
2. the powdered root of this plant, used as a vermifuge
3. a fungal disease of onions and related plants resulting in stunted growth and shrivelled pink roots

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinkroot¹

An Americanism dating back to 1755–65; pink ¹ + root ¹

Example Sentences

Ipecacuanhae, which for lack Of breath to utter men call Ipecac, Camphor and Kino, Turpentine, Tolu, Cubebs, "Copeevy," Vitriol,—white and blue,— Fennel and Flaxseed, Slippery Elm and Squill, And roots of Sassafras, and "Sassaf'rill," Brandy,—for colics,—Pinkroot, death on worms,— Valerian, calmer of hysteric squirms, Musk, Assafoetida, the resinous gum Named from its odor,—well, it does smell some,— Jalap, that works not wisely, but too well, Ten pounds of Bark and six of Calomel.

From Project Gutenberg

Ipecacuanhae, which for lack Of breath to utter men call Ipecac, Camphor and Kino, Turpentine, Tolu, Cubebs, "Copeevy," Vitriol,—white and blue,— Fennel and Flaxseed, Slippery Elm and Squill, And roots of Sassafras, and "Sassaf'rill," Brandy,—for colics,—Pinkroot, death on worms,— Valerian, calmer of hysteric squirms, Musk, Assafoetida, the resinous gum Named from its odor,—well, it does smell some,— Jalap, that works not wisely, but too well, Ten pounds of Bark and six of Calomel.

From Project Gutenberg