Snakeroot \Snake"root`\, n. (Bot.)
Any one of several plants of different genera and species,
most of which are (or were formerly) reputed to be
efficacious as remedies for the bites of serpents; also, the
roots of any of these.
Note: The Virginia snakeroot is Aristolochia Serpentaria;
black snakeroot is Sanicula, esp. S. Marilandica,
also Cimicifuga racemosa; Seneca snakeroot is
Polygala Senega; button snakeroot is Liatris, also
Eryngium; white snakeroot is Eupatorium
ageratoides. The name is also applied to some others
besides these.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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Eryngium \E*ryn"gi*um\ ([-e]*r[i^]n"j[i^]*[u^]m), n. [NL., fr.
Gr. 'hry`ggion, dim. of 'h`ryggos eryngo; cf. L. eryngion,
erynge.]
(Bot.)
A genus of umbelliferous plants somewhat like thistles in
appearance. Eryngium maritimum, or sea holly, has been
highly esteemed as an aphrodisiac, the roots being formerly
candied.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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