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

The highly toxic herb is likely to be present in a host of botanicals, including Dutchman's pipe, guan mu ton, heart snake root and birthwort.

From Time Magazine Archive

Then she sent Matthew to search for birthwort root, put out the fire, and opened all the windows.

From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman

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

From The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher Containing his Complete Masterpiece and Family Physician; his Experienced Midwife, his Book of Problems and his Remarks on Physiognomy by Aristotle

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 The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher Containing his Complete Masterpiece and Family Physician; his Experienced Midwife, his Book of Problems and his Remarks on Physiognomy by Aristotle

Or, take coloquintida, agaric, birthwort, of each a drachm; make a powder, add ammoniacum dissolved in wine, ox-gall, each two drachms.

From The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher Containing his Complete Masterpiece and Family Physician; his Experienced Midwife, his Book of Problems and his Remarks on Physiognomy by Aristotle