senega

[ sen-i-guh ]

noun

1. the dried root of a milkwort, Polygala senega, of the eastern U.S., used as an expectorant and diuretic.
2. the plant itself.

senega

/ ˈsɛnɪɡə /

noun

1. a milkwort plant, Polygala senega, of the eastern US, with small white flowers
2. the root of this plant, used as an expectorant

Word History and Origins

Origin of senega¹

1730–40; variant of Seneca, from its use by this tribe

Word History and Origins

Origin of senega¹

C18: variant of Seneca (the Indian tribe)

Example Sentences

Toiletries bore Chinese touches too: The lotion’s scent, for example, was inspired by yuan zhi, or senega root, an herb used in Asian drinks to calm the spirit.

From New York Times

Gum senega, review of the regulations imposed on the trade for, 272.

From Project Gutenberg

The central emetics are apomorphine, tartar emetic, ipecacuanha, senega and squill.

From Project Gutenberg

Digitonin, on the other hand, is a cardiac depressant, and has been found to be identical with saponin, the chief constituent of senega root.

From Project Gutenberg

Dr. A. E. Ross speaks highly of its use as an expectorant, ranking it in this respect with senega; he found it especially useful in the bronchitis of children.

From Project Gutenberg