Edit page | Page history | Printable version

sassafras

(Science: botany) An American tree of the laurel family (Sassafras officinale); also, the bark of the roots, which has an aromatic smell and taste. 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.

Origin: F. Sassafras (cf. It. Sassafrasso, sassafras, Sp. Sasafras, salsafras, salsifrax, salsifragia, saxifragia), fr. L. Saxifraga saxofrage. See Saxifrage.