Main Entry: ech·i·na·cea

Pronunciation: \ˌek-i-ˈnā-sē-ə, -sh(ē-)ə\

Function: noun

: the dried rhizome, roots, or other part of any of three composite herbs (Echinacea angustifolia, E. pallida, and E. purpurea) that were formerly listed in the United States Pharmacopeia, that are now used primarily in dietary supplements and herbal remedies, and that are held to stimulate the immune system ; also : any of these herbs—see purple coneflower