snakeroot

[ sneyk-root, -root ]

/ ˈsneɪkˌrut, -ˌrʊt /

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noun

any of various plants whose roots have been regarded as a remedy for snakebites, as the herb Aristolochia serpentaria(Virginia snakeroot ), having a medicinal rhizome and rootlets, and the white-flowered Polygala senega(Seneca snakeroot ), having a medicinal root.

the root or rhizome of such a plant.

the North American bugbane.

a white eupatorium, Eupatorium rugosum.

a plant, Rauwolfia serpentina (or Rauvolfia serpentina), whose roots are the source of reserpine and other drugs.

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Origin of snakeroot

First recorded in 1625–35; snake + root¹

Words nearby snakeroot

snakemouth, snake oil, snake pit, snake plant, Snake River, snakeroot, snakes and ladders, snake's-head, snakeskin, snakestone, snakeweed

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use snakeroot in a sentence

He said he was called Snakeroot Sam, because he rooted so hard for rattlesnakes.
The Campers Out|Edward S. Ellis
Snakeroot Sam is a mighty clever feller, and he says he will help us all he can.
The Campers Out|Edward S. Ellis
"Snakeroot and cinnamon," chimed in Rachel, looking up from her sewing with a very innocent face.
Little Grandmother|Sophie May
Good-day, sonnies, said Snakeroot Sam, doffing his dilapidated hat with mock courtesy.
The Campers Out|Edward S. Ellis

Dixon also reported that the natives have a keen sense of smell, which they quicken by the use of snakeroot.
Alaska|Ella Higginson

British Dictionary definitions for snakeroot

snakeroot

/ (ˈsneɪkˌruːt) /

noun

any of various North American plants, such as Aristolochia serpentaria (Virginia snakeroot) and Eupatorium urticaefolium (white snakeroot), the roots or rhizomes of which have been used as a remedy for snakebite

the rhizome or root of any such plant

another name for bistort (def. 1), bistort (def. 2)

Also called: snakeweed

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012