pinkroot

[pingk-root, -roo t]

noun

the root of any of various plants belonging to the genus Spigelia, of the logania family, especially that of S. marilandica of the U.S., that is used as a vermifuge.
any of these plants.

Origin of pinkroot

An Americanism dating back to 1755–65; pink¹ + root¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for pinkroot

Historical Examples of pinkroot

All the above preparations of pinkroot are regarded as powerful and certain anthelmintics; particularly the last two.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I
Arnold Cooley
Pinkroot has a pleasant, aromatic odor, and the taste is described as sweetish, bitter and pungent.
Ginseng and Other Medicinal Plants
A. R. (Arthur Robert) Harding
Collection, Prices and Uses — Pinkroot is collected after the flowering period.
Ginseng and Other Medicinal Plants
A. R. (Arthur Robert) Harding
Pinkroot was long known by the Indians, and its properties were made known to physicians by them.
Ginseng and Other Medicinal Plants
A. R. (Arthur Robert) Harding

British Dictionary definitions for pinkroot

pinkroot

noun

any of several loganiaceous plants of the genus Spigelia, esp S. marilandica, of the southeastern US, having red-and-yellow flowers and pink roots
the powdered root of this plant, used as a vermifuge
a fungal disease of onions and related plants resulting in stunted growth and shrivelled pink roots

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