sassafras

2 definitions found

sassafras - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Sassafras \Sas"sa*fras\, n. [F. sassafras (cf. It. sassafrasso,
     sassafras, Sp. sasafras, salsafras, salsifrax, salsifragia,
     saxifragia), fr. L. saxifraga saxifrage. See Saxifrage.]
     (Bot.)
     An American tree of the Laurel family (Sassafras officinale
     ); also, the bark of the roots, which has an
     aromatic smell and taste.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Australian sassafras, a lofty tree (Doryophora Sassafras)
        with aromatic bark and leaves.
  
     Chilian sassafras, an aromatic tree (Laurelia  sempervirens
        ).
  
     New Zealand sassafras, a similar tree (Laurelia Novae  Zelandiae
        ).
  
     Sassafras nut. See Pichurim bean.
  
     Swamp sassafras, the sweet bay (Magnolia glauca). See
        Magnolia.
        [1913 Webster]

sassafras - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  sassafras
      n 1: yellowwood tree with brittle wood and aromatic leaves and
           bark; source of sassafras oil; widely distributed in
           eastern North America [syn: sassafras, sassafras tree,
           Sassafras albidum]
      2: dried root bark of the sassafras tree