cascarilla

[ kas-kuh-ril-uh ]

noun

1. Also called cascarilla bark. the bitter, aromatic bark of a West Indian shrub, Croton eluteria, of the spurge family, used as a tonic.
2. the shrub itself.

cascarilla

/ ˌkæskəˈrɪlə /

noun

1. a West Indian euphorbiaceous shrub, Croton eluteria, whose bitter aromatic bark is used as a tonic
2. the bark of this shrub

Word History and Origins

Origin of cascarilla¹

1870–75; < Spanish, equivalent to cascar ( a ) bark ( cascara ) + -illa < Latin -illa diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cascarilla¹

C17: from Spanish, diminutive of cáscara bark; see cascara

Example Sentences

The Peruvians call the bark cascarilla, and they point out the distinctions of a great number of species and varieties.

From Project Gutenberg

Many persons very much object to the aroma of benzoin, while they greatly admire the fumes of cascarilla.

From Project Gutenberg

Cascarilla bark is good to smoke, to prevent the effects of malaria, and in sick rooms to correct bad effluvia.

From Project Gutenberg

Much better than plain water he considers water to which some light bitter has been added, such as cascarilla.

From Project Gutenberg

Tobacco and cascarilla bark also flourish; and cotton is indigenous and was woven into cloth by the aborigines.

From Project Gutenberg