sassafras

American  

[sas-uh-fras] / ˈsæs əˌfræs /

noun

1. an American tree, Sassafras albidum, of the laurel family, having egg-shaped leaves and long clusters of greenish-yellow flowers.

2. the aromatic bark of its root, used medicinally and especially for flavoring beverages, confectionery, etc.

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sassafras British  

/ ˈsæsəˌfræs /

noun

1. an aromatic deciduous lauraceous tree, Sassafras albidum, of North America, having three-lobed leaves and dark blue fruits

2. the aromatic dried root bark of this tree, used as a flavouring, and yielding sassafras oil

3. any of several unrelated trees having a similar fragrant bark

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Etymology

Origin of sassafras

First recorded in 1570–80, sassafras is from the Spanish word sasafrás

Example Sentences

It often was made instead from birch oil and sassafras, the dried root bark of flowering trees in the genus Sassafras, of which there are several, native to East Asia and the eastern United States.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 14, 2023

In December 2021, dog trainer Sassafras Lowrey published a piece for the American Kennel Club warning people not to participate in this "dangerous" trend, and citing many issues with it.

From Salon • May 18, 2022

Members of the Sassafras Audubon Society raised the money needed to pay Duke Energy for the nesting pole’s installation.

From Washington Times • Oct. 11, 2020

And last week, organizers of a “first responders party” rented out a Los Angeles bar, the Sassafras Saloon.

From Slate • Aug. 6, 2020

He was on the edge of Sassafras Springs, walking away from town.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney