Rhatany \Rhat"a*ny\, Rhatanhy \Rhat"an*hy\, n. [Sp. ratania, rata[~n]a, Peruv. rata[~n]a.]

The powerfully astringent root of a half-shrubby Peruvian plant (Krameria triandra). It is used in medicine and to color port wine. [Written also ratany.]

Savanilla rhatany, the root of Krameria Ixina, a native of New Granada.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)