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contrayerva

[ kon-truh-yur-vuh ]

noun

  1. the root of certain tropical American plants of the genus Dorstenia, of the mulberry family, especially D. contrajerva, used as a stimulant, diaphoretic, etc.


contrayerva

/ ˌkɒntrəˈjɜːvə /

noun

  1. the root of any of several tropical American moraceous plants of the genus Dorstenia, esp D. contrayerva, used as a stimulant and tonic
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of contrayerva1

1650–60; < Spanish contrayerba, contrahierba < Latin contrā contra- 1( def ) + herba herb; so called from its being thought an antidote to poison
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Word History and Origins

Origin of contrayerva1

C17: from Spanish contrayerba, from contra- + yerba grass, (poisonous) plant, from Latin herba; referring to the belief that it was an antidote to poisons
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Example Sentences

Contrayerva, kon-tra-yėr′va, n. a stimulating and tonic aromatic root of tropical America.

D. Contrayerva and other species have a stimulant and tonic rhizome, which is used medicinally under the name of contrayerva.

She complained of a violent Head-ach; for which she was blooded, and took the saline Mixture, with Nitre and Contrayerva.

I then gave him a Mixture, with spiritus mindereri, and the pulvis contrayerva comp. of which I desired him to take some Spoonfuls frequently.

He was immediately blooded, had a saline Mixture with Contrayerva and Nitre, and was ordered to take a Purge in the Morning.

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