colicroot

American  

[kol-ik-root, -root] / ˈkɒl ɪkˌrut, -ˌrʊt /

noun

1. either of two North American plants, Aletris farinosa or A. aurea, of the lily family, having small yellow or white flowers in a spikelike cluster and a root reputed to relieve colic.

2. any of certain other plants having roots reputed to cure colic.

3. the blazing star, Liatris squarrosa.

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colicroot British  

/ ˈkɒlɪkˌruːt /

noun

1. either of two North American liliaceous plants, Aletris farinosa or A. aurea, having tubular white or yellow flowers and a bitter root formerly used to relieve colic

2. any of various other plants formerly used to relieve colic

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Etymology

Origin of colicroot

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; colic + root ¹