sarsaparilla
Americannoun
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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.
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the root.
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an extract or other preparation made of this root.
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a soft drink flavored with an extract of this root, as root beer.
noun
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any of various prickly climbing plants of the tropical American genus Smilax having large aromatic roots and heart-shaped leaves: family Smilacaceae
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the dried roots of any of these plants, formerly used as a medicine
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a nonalcoholic drink prepared from these roots
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any of various plants resembling true sarsaparilla, esp the araliaceous plant Aralia nudicaulis ( wild sarsaparilla ), of North America
Etymology
Origin of sarsaparilla
1570–80; < Spanish zarzaparrilla, equivalent to zarza bush + parrilla ( parr ( a ) vine + -illa diminutive suffix)
Vocabulary lists containing sarsaparilla
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It’s an open question as to why sassafras root came to replace sarsaparilla in most root beer recipes, but it might have to do with sarsaparilla’s strong, somewhat bitter flavor profile.
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
“Perfectly beautiful,” replied Stuart, wiping the sarsaparilla off his lips with the corner of his sleeve.
From "Stuart Little" by E.B. White
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
