snakeroot

[ sneyk-root, -root ]

noun

1. any of various plants whose roots root have been regarded as a remedy for snakebites, as the herb Aristolochia serpentaria Virginia snakeroot, having a medicinal rhizome and rootlets, and the white-flowered Polygala senega Seneca snakeroot, having a medicinal root.
2. the root or rhizome of such a plant.
3. the North American bugbane.
4. a white eupatorium, Eupatorium rugosum.
5. a plant, Rauwolfia serpentina (or Rauvolfia serpentina ), whose roots root are the source of reserpine and other drugs.

snakeroot

/ ˈsneɪkˌruːt /

noun

1. any of various North American plants, such as Aristolochia serpentaria ( Virginia snakeroot ) and Eupatorium urticaefolium ( white snakeroot ), the roots or rhizomes of which have been used as a remedy for snakebite
2. the rhizome or root of any such plant
3. another name for bistort bistort

Word History and Origins

Origin of snakeroot¹

First recorded in 1625–35; snake + root ¹

Example Sentences

He said he was called Snakeroot Sam, because he rooted so hard for rattlesnakes.

From Project Gutenberg

Snakeroot Sam is a mighty clever feller, and he says he will help us all he can.

From Project Gutenberg

"Snakeroot and cinnamon," chimed in Rachel, looking up from her sewing with a very innocent face.

From Project Gutenberg

Good-day, sonnies, said Snakeroot Sam, doffing his dilapidated hat with mock courtesy.

From Project Gutenberg

Dixon also reported that the natives have a keen sense of smell, which they quicken by the use of snakeroot.

From Project Gutenberg