polygala senega

4 definitions found

polygala senega - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Senegin \Sen"e*gin\, n. (Med. Chem.)
     A substance extracted from the rootstock of the Polygala Senega
      (Seneca root), and probably identical with polygalic
     acid.
     [1913 Webster]

  Senecas \Sen"e*cas\, n. pl.; sing. Seneca. (Ethnol.)
     A tribe of Indians who formerly inhabited a part of Western
     New York. This tribe was the most numerous and most warlike
     of the Five Nations.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Seneca grass(Bot.), holy grass. See under Holy.
  
     Seneca eil, petroleum or naphtha.
  
     Seneca root, or Seneca snakeroot (Bot.), the rootstock of
        an American species of milkworth (Polygala Senega)
        having an aromatic but bitter taste. It is often used
        medicinally as an expectorant and diuretic, and, in large
        doses, as an emetic and cathartic. [Written also Senega  root
        , and Seneka root.]
        [1913 Webster]

  Snakeroot \Snake"root`\, n. (Bot.)
     Any one of several plants of different genera and species,
     most of which are (or were formerly) reputed to be
     efficacious as remedies for the bites of serpents; also, the
     roots of any of these.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The Virginia snakeroot is Aristolochia Serpentaria;
           black snakeroot is Sanicula, esp. Sanicula Marilandica
           , also Cimicifuga racemosa; Seneca
           snakeroot is Polygala Senega; button snakeroot is
           Liatris, also Eryngium; white snakeroot is
           Eupatorium ageratoides. The name is also applied to
           some others besides these.
           [1913 Webster]

polygala senega - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  Polygala senega
      n 1: eastern North American plant having a terminal cluster of
           small white flowers and medicinal roots [syn: Seneca snakeroot
           , Seneka snakeroot, senga root, senega root
           , senega snakeroot, Polygala senega]