pleurisy root

noun

1. a North American milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa, whose root was used as a remedy for pleurisy.

2. the root.

pleurisy root

noun

1. the root of the butterfly weed, formerly used as a cure for pleurisy

2. another name for butterfly weed

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleurisy root¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85