ginseng

[ jin-seng ]

noun

1. any of several plants of the genus Panax, especially P. pseudoginseng, of eastern Asia, or P. qinquefolius, of North America, having an aromatic root used medicinally.
2. the root itself.
3. a preparation made from it.

ginseng

/ ˈdʒɪnsɛŋ /

noun

1. either of two araliaceous plants, Panax schinseng of China or P. quinquefolius of North America, whose forked aromatic roots are used medicinally
2. the root of either of these plants or a substance obtained from the roots, believed to possess stimulant, tonic, and energy-giving properties

Word History and Origins

Origin of ginseng¹

1645–55; < Chinese (Wade-Giles) jên2 shên1, (Pinyin) rén-shēn, equivalent to rén man + shēn name for a kind of herb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ginseng¹

C17: from Mandarin Chinese jen shen, from jen man (from a resemblance of the roots to human legs) + shen ginseng

Example Sentences

The algae technology is used to create renewable products such as biofuels, plastic alternatives, and nutraceuticals, which are nutritious food products that can also be used as medicinal products, similar to green tea and ginseng.

From Popular-Science

If oysters, weed, wine, or ginseng get you in the mood, you don’t need a scientific study to prove it.

From Popular-Science

Forest farming, where nontimber crops such as wild mushrooms or ginseng are grown within a managed or wild forest, is becoming more popular across the eastern states.

From Science News

There are several herbs used as supplements that fall under the term ginseng, though the most common is Panax ginseng.

From The Daily Beast

What is that white lady doing with that handful of ginseng roots and bonito flakes?

From The Daily Beast

And from that moment the bear's name was Ginseng as long as he lived, and he lived to be a very old bear indeed.

From Project Gutenberg

He replied that he resided on the French Broad, and was a dealer in ginseng.

From Project Gutenberg

The reason is that the root of the ginseng plant often resembles the human body.

From Project Gutenberg

On the same principle the Chinese use ginseng-root as a general tonic.

From Project Gutenberg

There are no longer any store-houses for ginseng on the wharves of Boston.

From Project Gutenberg