sarsaparilla

American  

[sas-puh-ril-uh, sahr-suh-puh-, sahr-spuh-] / ˌsæs pəˈrɪl ə, ˌsɑr sə pə-, ˌsɑr spə- /

noun

1. any of various climbing or trailing tropical American plants belonging to the genus Smilax, of the lily family, having alternate leaves, umbels of flowers, and a root that has been used in the treatment of psoriasis.

2. the root.

3. an extract or other preparation made of this root.

4. a soft drink flavored with an extract of this root, as root beer.

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sarsaparilla British  

/ ˌsɑːsəpəˈrɪlə, ˌsɑːspə- /

noun

1. any of various prickly climbing plants of the tropical American genus Smilax having large aromatic roots and heart-shaped leaves: family Smilacaceae

2. the dried roots of any of these plants, formerly used as a medicine

3. a nonalcoholic drink prepared from these roots

4. any of various plants resembling true sarsaparilla, esp the araliaceous plant Aralia nudicaulis ( wild sarsaparilla ), of North America

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Etymology

Origin of sarsaparilla

1570–80; < Spanish zarzaparrilla, equivalent to zarza bush + parrilla ( parr ( a ) vine + -illa diminutive suffix)

Example Sentences

But here’s the thing about the drink our cowboy ordered: What was called sarsaparilla in the Americas often contained no actual Smilax root at all.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 14, 2023

This healing tea consists of sarsaparilla root, ginger, licorice root, cinnamon, burdock root, juniper berry, black pepper, dandelion root, clove oil and cinnamon bark oil.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2022

Offering superb value for the price point, imbibers can expect a bright, fruity, balanced Zin with mint, sarsaparilla and fresh plum notes and deeply layered tannins.

From Fox News • Dec. 13, 2021

The sarsaparilla flavor in root beer lends the meat a woodsy mintiness, which sings when it’s paired with aromatics like bay leaves and shallots.

From New York Times • Dec. 8, 2021

Or an icy bottle of sarsaparilla from Uncle Holt’s store.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson