sarsaparilla

[ sas-puh-ril-uh, sahr-suh-puh-, sahr-spuh- ]

noun

1. any of various climbing or trailing tropical American plants belonging to the genus Smilax, of the lily family, having alternate leaves, umbels of flowers, and a root that has been used in the treatment of psoriasis.
2. the root.
3. an extract or other preparation made of this root.
4. a soft drink flavored with an extract of this root, as root beer.

sarsaparilla

/ ˌsɑːsəpəˈrɪlə; ˌsɑːspə- /

noun

1. any of various prickly climbing plants of the tropical American genus Smilax having large aromatic roots and heart-shaped leaves: family Smilacaceae
2. the dried roots of any of these plants, formerly used as a medicine
3. a nonalcoholic drink prepared from these roots
4. any of various plants resembling true sarsaparilla, esp the araliaceous plant Aralia nudicaulis ( wild sarsaparilla ), of North America

Word History and Origins

Origin of sarsaparilla¹

1570–80; < Spanish zarzaparrilla, equivalent to zarza bush + parrilla ( parr ( a ) vine + -illa diminutive suffix)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sarsaparilla¹

C16: from Spanish zarzaparrilla, from zarza a bramble, (from Arabic šaras ) + -parrilla, from Spanish parra a climbing plant

Example Sentences

And then she herself becomes a sarsaparilla vine, the reasons of which are unclear.

From The Daily Beast

In most parts of the island the Sarsaparilla Root is in great abundance, and very good.

From Project Gutenberg

The cortical portion of sarsaparilla yields fully 50% of aqueous extract.

From Project Gutenberg

To produce sweating, employ cardus water, and mithridate, or a decoction of guaiacum and sarsaparilla.

From Project Gutenberg

At Pueblo Nuevo sarsaparilla forms a principal article of trade.

From Project Gutenberg

On sandy shores the Sea Sedge (C. arenaria) is often common, and its underground stems are used for sarsaparilla.

From Project Gutenberg