asafoetida

British  

/ ˌæsəˈfɛtɪdə /

noun

1. a bitter resin with an unpleasant onion-like smell, obtained from the roots of some umbelliferous plants of the genus Ferula: formerly used as a carminative, antispasmodic, and expectorant

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Etymology

Origin of asafoetida

C14: from Medieval Latin, from asa gum (compare Persian azā mastic) + Latin foetidus evil-smelling, _fetid

Example Sentences

Smollet says the Romans stuffed their fowls for the table with Asafoetida.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas

Asafoetida instead of incense was burned in the censer.

From Told by the Death's Head A Romantic Tale by J?kai, M?r

Asafoetida, jaggery and other articles are then given, not to the mother but to the father.

From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India - Volume IV of IV Kumhar-Yemkala by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)

Phosphorus and sulphur are among its constituent elements, and, because of the latter, says Dr. Garrod after much observation, he regards Asafoetida as one of the most valuable remedies known to the physician.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas

Asafoetida in three to five-grain pills is a splendid tonic in such cases, and in that form is pleasant to take.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson