pinkroot

American  

[pingk-root, -root] / ˈpɪŋkˌrut, -ˌrʊt /

noun

1. 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.

2. any of these plants.

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pinkroot British  

/ ˈpɪŋkˌruːt /

noun

1. any of several loganiaceous plants of the genus Spigelia, esp S. marilandica, of the southeastern US, having red-and-yellow flowers and pink roots

2. the powdered root of this plant, used as a vermifuge

3. a fungal disease of onions and related plants resulting in stunted growth and shrivelled pink roots

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Etymology

Origin of pinkroot

An Americanism dating back to 1755–65; pink ¹ + root ¹