senega

[sen-i-guh]

noun

1. the dried root of a milkwort, Polygala senega, of the eastern U.S., used as an expectorant and diuretic.

2. the plant itself.

senega

/ ˈsɛnɪɡə /

noun

1. a milkwort plant, Polygala senega, of the eastern US, with small white flowers

2. the root of this plant, used as an expectorant

Word History and Origins

Origin of senega¹

1730–40; variant of Seneca, from its use by this tribe

Word History and Origins

Origin of senega¹

C18: variant of Seneca (the Indian tribe)

Example Sentences

Toiletries bore Chinese touches too: The lotion’s scent, for example, was inspired by yuan zhi, or senega root, an herb used in Asian drinks to calm the spirit.

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Gum senega, review of the regulations imposed on the trade for, 272.

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The central emetics are apomorphine, tartar emetic, ipecacuanha, senega and squill.

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Digitonin, on the other hand, is a cardiac depressant, and has been found to be identical with saponin, the chief constituent of senega root.

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Dr. A. E. Ross speaks highly of its use as an expectorant, ranking it in this respect with senega; he found it especially useful in the bronchitis of children.

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