rauwolfia

noun

rau·​wol·​fia rau̇-ˈwu̇l-fē-ə How to pronounce rauwolfia (audio)
rȯ-
1
: any of a genus (Rauvolfia synonym Rauwolfia) of pantropical trees and shrubs of the dogbane family that yield medicinal alkaloids (such as reserpine)
2
: the dried root or an extract from the root of a rauwolfia (especially Rauvolfia serpentina of Asia) used chiefly in the treatment of hypertension

Examples of rauwolfia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Embrace the power of rauwolfia and ashwagandha capsules, carefully crafted to instill a sense of tranquility and encourage a natural calm. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rauwolfia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Leonhard Rauwolf †1596 German botanist

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rauwolfia was in 1739

Dictionary Entries Near rauwolfia

Cite this Entry

“Rauwolfia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rauwolfia. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

rauwolfia

noun
rau·​wol·​fia rau̇-ˈwu̇l-fē-ə How to pronounce rauwolfia (audio) rȯ- How to pronounce rauwolfia (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Rauvolfia synonym Rauwolfia) of tropical trees and shrubs of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) that yield medicinal alkaloids (as reserpine)
2
: the dried root or an extract from the root of a rauwolfia (especially Rauvolfia serpentina of Asia) used chiefly in the treatment of hypertension

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