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

And while many of these sarsaparilla-free drinks still were called sarsaparilla, sometimes that sassafras drink was simply called “root beer.”

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

Think boysenberry jam accented with rosemary, wild sage and sarsaparilla.

From Washington Post • Sep. 9, 2021

It’s smack in the center of the menagerie, under rays of glorious light, surrounded by banners advertising sarsaparilla, Cracker Jack, and frozen custard.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen