birthwort

American  

[burth-wurt, -wawrt] / ˈbɜrθˌwɜrt, -ˌwɔrt /

noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Aristolochia, especially A. clematitis, an Old World species reputed to facilitate childbirth.

2. any of various other plants believed to aid childbirth.

3. birthroot.

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birthwort British  

/ ˈbɜːθˌwɜːt /

noun

1. any of several climbing plants of the genus Aristolochia , esp A. clematitis of Europe, once believed to ease childbirth: family Aristolochiaceae

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Etymology

Origin of birthwort

First recorded in 1545–55; birth + wort ²

Example Sentences

Sometimes known as birthwort, Aristolochia contains aristolochic acid, which can cause kidney and liver damage and bladder cancer.

From Scientific American

A. Clematitis, birthwort, is a central and southern European species, found sometimes in England apparently wild on ruins and similar places, but not a native.

From Project Gutenberg

Take savine, round birthwort, trochisks of myrrh, castor, cinnamon and saffron, each half a drachm; make a powder, give a drachm.

From Project Gutenberg

The roots of birthwort, either long or round, so used and taken as the former, are very good.

From Project Gutenberg

Take best rhubarb, one drachm, gum lac, prepared, two drachms, zyloaloes, cinnamon, long birthwort, half an ounce each, best English saffron, half a scruple; with syrup of chicory and rhubarb make an electuary.

From Project Gutenberg