birthwort

[ burth-wurt, -wawrt ]

noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Aristolochia, especially A. clematitis, an Old World species reputed to facilitate childbirth. Compare birthwort family.
2. any of various other plants believed to aid childbirth.
3. birthroot.

birthwort

/ ˈbɜːθˌwɜːt /

noun

1. any of several climbing plants of the genus Aristolochia , esp A. clematitis of Europe, once believed to ease childbirth: family Aristolochiaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of birthwort¹

First recorded in 1545–55; birth + wort ²

Example Sentences

The roots of birthwort, either long or round, so used and taken as the former, are very good.

From Project Gutenberg