taraxacum

[ tuh-rak-suh-kuhm ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. the dried roots of any of several composite plants of the genus Taraxacum, as the dandelion, T. officinale or T. laevigatum, used in medicine in powdered or fluidextract form chiefly as a tonic and aperient.

taraxacum

/ təˈræksəkəm /

noun

1. any perennial plant of the genus Taraxacum, such as the dandelion, having dense heads of small yellow flowers and seeds with a feathery attachment: family Asteraceae (composites)
2. the dried root of the dandelion, used as a laxative, diuretic, and tonic

Word History and Origins

Origin of taraxacum¹

1700–10; < New Latin < Arabic ṭarakhshaqūn wild chicory < Persian tarkhashqūn wild endive

Word History and Origins

Origin of taraxacum¹

C18: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic tarakhshaqūn wild chicory, perhaps of Persian origin

Example Sentences

Among the odder of oddballs, the current offerings include Taraxacum pseudoroseum, a sunset-colored dandelion from Asia, pink with a yellow center.

From New York Times

A. Common dandelions, or taraxacum officinale, are born of a tenacious breed of plant, better equipped than most to survive and propagate, gardening authorities agree.

From New York Times

The Soviet Union studied a dandelion called Taraxacum kok-saghyz whereas the U.S. focused on guayuleand Nazi scientists researched synthetic compounds.

From Scientific American

Their home had its share of sturdy German wood furniture; but here and there were modern pieces like Marcel Breuer chairs, Archille Castiglioni Taraxacum lights and KPM porcelain.

From New York Times

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said the dandelion - named Taraxacum pankhurstianum in honour of Richard Pankhurst - could be one of Scotland's rarest plants.

From BBC