cascara

[ kas-kair-uh ]

noun

1. a shrub, Rhamnus purshiana (or Frangula purshiana ), of the buckthorn family, of the Pacific coast of the United States, having finely toothed leaves and flowers in umbels and yielding cascara sagrada.

cascara

/ kæsˈkɑːrə /

noun

1. See cascara sagrada
   See cascara sagrada
2. Also calledcascara buckthornbearwood a shrub or small tree, Rhamnus purshiana of NW North America, whose bark is a source of cascara sagrada: family Rhamnaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of cascara¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; from Spanish cáscara “bark,” perhaps akin to cascar “to crack,” ultimately derived from unattested Vulgar Latin quassicāre, equivalent to Latin quass(āre) “to shatter” ( quash ) + -icā- formative verb suffix + -re infinitive ending

Word History and Origins

Origin of cascara¹

C19: from Spanish: bark, from cascar to break, from Vulgar Latin quassicāre (unattested) to shake violently, shatter, from Latin quassāre to dash to pieces

Example Sentences

"We're having trouble with that last lot of cascara, sir," said he lugubriously.

From Project Gutenberg

If constipation is the habit a laxative should be given; the aromatic fluid extract of cascara sagrada or magnesia are suitable.

From Project Gutenberg

Aromatic cascara sagrada in from ten to thirty-drop doses is a very good laxative, if a stronger remedy is needed.

From Project Gutenberg

Take a dose of epsom salts, castor oil, or cascara sagrada, then regulate your diet.

From Project Gutenberg

Don Miguel read my letters of recommendation, and re-read the letter of General Cascara.

From Project Gutenberg