rhatany

[ rat-n-ee ]

noun

, plural rhat·a·nies.

1. either of two South American shrubs belonging to the genus Krameria, of the legume family, K. tiandra knotty rhatany, or Peruvian rhatany or K. argentea Brazilian rhatany, or Pará rhatany.
2. the root of either of these plants, used as an astringent and tonic in medicine and also to color port wine.

rhatany

/ ˈrætənɪ /

noun

1. either of two South American leguminous shrubs, Krameria triandra or K. argentea , that have thick fleshy roots
2. the dried roots of such shrubs used as an astringent

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhatany¹

First recorded in 1800–10; from New Latin rhatania, from Latin American Spanish rataña, Portuguese ratánhia, from Quechua ratánya; the rh- is by analogy with Greek scientific terms beginning with rh-, e.g., rhododendron, rheumatic

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhatany¹

C19: from New Latin rhatānia , ultimately from Quechua ratánya

Example Sentences

Hard extract of rhatany is also much employed for the same purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

It is astringent, and possesses no advantage over rhatany or catechu.

From Project Gutenberg

Color, if too light with Tincture of Rhatany, then rack it off and fine it.

From Project Gutenberg