sassafras

American  

[sas-uh-fras] / ˈsæs əˌfræs /

noun

1. an American tree, Sassafras albidum, of the laurel family, having egg-shaped leaves and long clusters of greenish-yellow flowers.

2. the aromatic bark of its root, used medicinally and especially for flavoring beverages, confectionery, etc.

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sassafras British  

/ ˈsæsəˌfræs /

noun

1. an aromatic deciduous lauraceous tree, Sassafras albidum, of North America, having three-lobed leaves and dark blue fruits

2. the aromatic dried root bark of this tree, used as a flavouring, and yielding sassafras oil

3. any of several unrelated trees having a similar fragrant bark

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Etymology

Origin of sassafras

First recorded in 1570–80, sassafras is from the Spanish word sasafrás

Example Sentences

Amy Tipton closed her Belltown boutique Sassafras, known for its small-batch clothing made by local designers, earlier this year.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 9, 2023

“This is a national precedent here. Generally these cases don’t go this way,” said Zack Kelleher, the Sassafras Riverkeeper — one of a group of advocates for local waterways.

From Washington Post • Dec. 20, 2022

In December 2021, dog trainer Sassafras Lowrey published a piece for the American Kennel Club warning people not to participate in this "dangerous" trend, and citing many issues with it.

From Salon • May 18, 2022

Members of the Sassafras Audubon Society raised the money needed to pay Duke Energy for the nesting pole’s installation.

From Washington Times • Oct. 11, 2020

And if my aunt was actually pretty, well, that might be another Wonder of Sassafras Springs.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney