senega

American  

[sen-i-guh] / ˈsɛn ɪ gə /

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.

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senega British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of senega

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

Example Sentences

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 The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers

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 Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 4 "Diameter" to "Dinarchus" by Various

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

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various

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

From An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Garnier, Germain

Acrell, in the Amœnitates Academicæ, informs us that the senega possesses a similar power.

From Curiosities of Medical Experience by Millingen, J. G. (John Gideon)