Sassafras \Sas"sa*fras\, n. [F. sassafras (cf. It. sassafrasso, sassafras, Sp. sasafras, salsafras, salsifrax, salsifragia, saxifragia), fr. L. saxifraga saxifrage. See Saxifrage.]

(Bot.) An American tree of the Laurel family (Sassafras officinale); also, the bark of the roots, which has an aromatic smell and taste.

Australian sassafras, a lofty tree (Doryophora Sassafras) with aromatic bark and leaves.

Chilian sassafras, an aromatic tree (Laurelia sempervirens).

New Zealand sassafras, a similar tree (Laurelia Nov[ae] Zelandi[ae]).

Sassafras nut. See Pichurim bean.

Swamp sassafras, the sweet bay (Magnolia glauca). See Magnolia.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)