sassafras

[ sas-uh-fras ]

noun

1. an American tree, Sassafras albidum, of the laurel family, having egg-shaped leaves and long clusters of greenish-yellow flowers.
2. the aromatic bark of its root, used medicinally and especially for flavoring beverages, confectionery, etc.

sassafras

/ ˈsæsəˌfræs /

noun

1. an aromatic deciduous lauraceous tree, Sassafras albidum, of North America, having three-lobed leaves and dark blue fruits
2. the aromatic dried root bark of this tree, used as a flavouring, and yielding sassafras oil
3. any of several unrelated trees having a similar fragrant bark

Word History and Origins

Origin of sassafras¹

First recorded in 1570–80, sassafras is from the Spanish word sasafrás

Word History and Origins

Origin of sassafras¹

C16: from Spanish sasafrás, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

And while many of these sarsaparilla-free drinks still were called sarsaparilla, sometimes that sassafras drink was simply called “root beer.”

From Seattle Times

For the front awning, he used sassafras, a semi-soft wood that darkens with age, smells like root beer when you cut it, and reminds him of the sassafras tea he drank as a kid.

From Los Angeles Times

Flavors from the period like clove and sassafras have given way to an ambiguous array of what might best be called fruit-adjacent flavors, and wintergreen.

From Seattle Times

Fresh, lively pinot noir with flavors of cherries and sassafras, this affordable wine makes for easy sipping on its own or with food.

From Washington Post

Over the years, this slice of soil has nourished wild alliums, huckleberry, sassafras — even ancient apple trees planted by those who came to claim these West Virginia acres as their own.

From Salon