ginseng

gin·seng

noun \ˈjin-ˌseŋ, -ˌsiŋ\

Definition of GINSENG

1

a : a Chinese perennial herb (Panax ginseng syn. P. schinseng of the family Araliaceae, the ginseng family) having five leaflets on each leaf, scarlet berries, and an aromatic root valued especially locally as a medicine

b : any of several plants related to ginseng; especially : a North American herb (P. quinquefolius)

2

: the root of a ginseng

Illustration of GINSENG

Origin of GINSENG

Chinese (Beijing) rénshēn

First Known Use: 1654

Rhymes with GINSENG

bang-bang, big bang, birth pang, blue tang, chain gang, cliff-hang, Da Nang, defang, go hang, harangue, linsang, meringue, mustang, orang, parang, press-gang, shebang, slam-bang, straphang, trepang, whizbang

gin·seng

noun \ˈjin-ˌseŋ, -ˌsaŋ, -(ˌ)siŋ\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of GINSENG

1

a : a Chinese perennial herb (Panax ginseng synonym P. schinseng of the family Araliaceae, the ginseng family) having 5-foliolate leaves, scarlet berries, and an aromatic root valued especially locally as a medicine b : any of several plants (especially genus Panax) related to or used as substitutes for the Chinese ginseng; especially : a North American woodland herb (P. quinquefolius)

2

: the aromatic root of a ginseng that is used in herbal medicine especially in eastern Asia

Illustration of GINSENG

ginseng

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Either of two herbs of the family Araliaceae or their roots, which have long been used as a drug in East Asia and as the ingredient for a stimulating tea. Panax quinquefolium, the North American ginseng, is native from Quebec and Manitoba southward to the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico. Asian ginseng (P. schinseng) is native to northeastern China and Korea and is cultivated in Korea and Japan. Ginseng has a sweetly aromatic flavour. Its root has long been regarded by the Chinese as a panacea for illness; its purported effects include improved mental performance, ability to learn, and memory and sensory awareness.