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

Example Sentences

Make a mucilage of the poplar bark, by stirring in boiling water; then add the pleurisy root; the whole to be given in the course of twenty-four hours.

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Some combine pleurisy root with it in pleurisy.

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This flower has a variety of names: it is called pleurisy root, and wind root, and orange root.

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When they came to the large beds of orange pleurisy root the Girl cried out with pleasure.

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The medicinal ones are lobelia, Indian hemp, castor musk, ginseng, assafœtida, pleurisy root, Virginia snakeroot, camomile, wormwood.

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