pleurisy root

noun

1. a North American milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa, whose root was used as a remedy for pleurisy.
2. the root.

pleurisy root

noun

1. the root of the butterfly weed, formerly used as a cure for pleurisy
2. another name for butterfly weed

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleurisy root¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

Make a mucilage of the poplar bark, by stirring in boiling water; then add the pleurisy root; the whole to be given in the course of twenty-four hours.

From Project Gutenberg

Some combine pleurisy root with it in pleurisy.

From Project Gutenberg

This flower has a variety of names: it is called pleurisy root, and wind root, and orange root.

From Project Gutenberg

When they came to the large beds of orange pleurisy root the Girl cried out with pleasure.

From Project Gutenberg

The medicinal ones are lobelia, Indian hemp, castor musk, ginseng, assafœtida, pleurisy root, Virginia snakeroot, camomile, wormwood.

From Project Gutenberg