sassafras nut

2 definitions found

sassafras nut - 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]

  Pichurim bean \Pich"u*rim bean`\ (p[i^]ch"[-u]*r[i^]m b[=e]n`).
     (Bot.)
     The seed of a Brazilian lauraceous tree (Nectandra Puchury)
     of a taste and smell between those of nutmeg and of
     sassafras, -- sometimes used medicinally. Called also
     sassafras nut.
     [1913 Webster]