rattlesnake root

noun

1. any of certain composite plants of the genus Prenanthes, whose roots or tubers have been regarded as a remedy for snake bites, as P. serpentaria or P. alba.
2. the root or tuber.
3. the snakeroot, Polygala senega.
4. its root.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rattlesnake root¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

They tell us their god will be angry with them if they should discover that part of their knowledge; so they suffer only the rattlesnake root to be known, and such other antidotes, as must be immediately applied, because their doctors can't be always at hand to remedy those sudden misfortunes which generally happen in their hunting or traveling.

From Project Gutenberg

Heads with 20 or more flowers Rattlesnake Root, Prenanthes crepidinea. 32a.

From Project Gutenberg

Heads with 5-7 flowers in each Rattlesnake Root, Prenanthes altissima. 31b.

From Project Gutenberg

Pappus dark reddish-brown Rattlesnake Root, Prenanthes alba. 32b.

From Project Gutenberg

Pappus pale-brown or nearly white Rattlesnake Root, Prenanthes trifoliata. 33a.

From Project Gutenberg