ginseng

American  

[jin-seng] / ˈdʒɪn sɛŋ /

noun

1. any of several plants of the genus Panax, especially P. pseudoginseng, of eastern Asia, or P. qinquefolius, of North America, having an aromatic root used medicinally.

2. the root itself.

3. a preparation made from it.

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ginseng British  

/ ˈdʒɪnsɛŋ /

noun

1. either of two araliaceous plants, Panax schinseng of China or P. quinquefolius of North America, whose forked aromatic roots are used medicinally

2. the root of either of these plants or a substance obtained from the roots, believed to possess stimulant, tonic, and energy-giving properties

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Etymology

Origin of ginseng

1645–55; < Chinese (Wade-Giles) jên2 shên1, (Pinyin) rén-shēn, equivalent to rén man + shēn name for a kind of herb

Example Sentences

With her personal information leaked, Lee said she has received several unwelcome calls a day from firms trying to sell her insurance, credit cards and red ginseng.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 2025

Bobo’s remains were eventually found in some woods by ginseng hunters in September 2014.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 27, 2024

The researchers say that this study opens up the possibilities for new osteoporosis treatments based on the female ginseng compound, whether in its current form or as a structural template for further drug development.

From Science Daily • Feb. 21, 2024

Such is the case with Starbucks Triple Shot Energy, which contains B vitamins, ginseng and guarana — as well as 225 milligrams of caffeine.

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2024

He was the guy who wrote the properties of things, like how aloe soothes skin, and ginseng gives you focus.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri