SNAKEROOT Meaning and
Definition
-
Snakeroot is a noun that refers to any of various plants that are renowned for their medicinal or toxic properties. It is a term commonly used to describe plants belonging to the plant genus Ageratina, specifically the species Ageratina altissima and Ageratina aromatica, both native to North America. These plants are also referred to as white snakeroot or richweed.
Snakeroot plants typically have clusters of small, white flowers that bloom in late summer and fall, and their leaves are often heart-shaped or ovate. Historically, snakeroot has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including snakebites, hence its common name.
However, it is essential to note that some species of snakeroot contain a toxic substance called tremetol, which can be harmful to livestock and humans. When consumed, tremetol can cause a severe condition known as tremetol poisoning or milk sickness, characterized by symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In addition to Ageratina plants, the term "snakeroot" can also refer to other plants with similar properties, such as black snakeroot (Sanicula marilandica), Indian snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina), and Virginia snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria). These plants may have different characteristics and uses, but they all share a history of being associated with the treatment of snakebites or exhibiting snake-like properties, hence the name snakeroot.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SNAKEROOT
- anakeroot
- znakeroot
- xnakeroot
- dnakeroot
- enakeroot
- wnakeroot
- sbakeroot
- smakeroot
- sjakeroot
- shakeroot
- snzkeroot
- snskeroot
- snwkeroot
- snqkeroot
- snajeroot
- snameroot
- snaleroot
- snaoeroot
- snaieroot
Etymology of SNAKEROOT
The word "snakeroot" has its origin in Old English. It is a combination of two separate words: "snake" and "root".
The term "snake" refers to the reptile, known for its slithering movements and association with venom or danger. The Old English word "snaca" was used to describe a snake, eventually evolving into the modern English term "snake".
The word "root" indicates the underground part of a plant that typically absorbs water and nutrients. In Old English, "rot" referred to the underground part of a plant, which later gave rise to the modern English word "root".
By combining "snake" and "root", the word "snakeroot" likely emerged to designate a plant that had some association with snakes. The term "snakeroot" is commonly used to describe various plant species believed to repel snakes or have medicinal qualities associated with snakebites or snake venom.
Similar spelling words for SNAKEROOT
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
