Akademik

1. herb of central and southern Europe having purple florets

2. a plant of the genus Nabalus

a. : a lion's foot of the genus Prenanthes — called also cankerweed; compare gall of the earth

b. : senega root 1

c. : a bugbane (Cimicifuga racemosa)

1. any of certain composite plants of the genus Prenanthes, whose roots or tubers have been regarded as a remedy for snake bites, as P. serpentaria or P. alba.

2. the root or tuber.

3. the snakeroot, Polygala senega.

4. its root.

[1675-85]

rattlesnake root,

1. a) any one of various composite plants whose roots have been considered a remedy for snakebites. b) the root of any of these plants.

2. a) = senega. (Cf. ↑senega) b) its root.

╂[because of its reputed value in cases of snakebite]