ephedra

[ ih-fed-ruh, ef-i-druh ]

noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Ephedra, growing in dry regions and having branching stems with dry scalelike leaves.

ephedra

/ ɪˈfɛdrə /

noun

1. any gymnosperm shrub of the genus Ephedra, of warm regions of America and Eurasia: the source of ephedrine: family Ephedraceae , phylum Gnetophyta

Word History and Origins

Origin of ephedra¹

< New Latin (Linnaeus) < Greek ephédra the horsetail plant, literally, sitting (upon a place), equivalent to ep- ep- + hédra seat, sitting ( cathedra )

Word History and Origins

Origin of ephedra¹

C18: New Latin, from Latin, from Greek ephedros a sitting upon, from epi- + hedra seat

Example Sentences

The main ingredient was ephedra, which was shortly after taken off the market for causing heart attacks.

From The Daily Beast

With small and abundantly-produced flowers, this resembles Ephedra, hence its name.

From Project Gutenberg

Scarcely any change in vegetation occurs: an Ephedra, very common up the kotul and abundantly in fruit.

From Project Gutenberg