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tormentil

(Science: botany) A rosaceous herb (Potentilla Tormentilla), the root of which is used as a powerful astringent, and for alleviating gripes, or tormina, in diarrhea.

Origin: F. Tormentille; cf. Pr, It, & NL. Tormentilla, Sp. Tormentila; all fr. L. Tormentum pain. So called because it is said to allay pain. See Torment.