sassafras

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an aromatic deciduous tree of the genus Sassafras, especially the eastern North American species Sassafras albidum

   The sassafras was easy to recognize by its mitten-shaped leaves.

2. 2
   noun

   the aromatic bark or root of this tree, formerly used in drinks, medicines, and flavorings

   The herbalist brewed a traditional tea from dried sassafras root.

Borrowed from Spanish sasafras. Its deeper origin is uncertain; it has often been connected with Latin saxifraga, 'stone-breaking plant,' though that explanation is disputed. European writers transferred the name to the aromatic North American tree and its bark.

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