Main Entry: sas·sa·fras

Pronunciation: \ˈsas-ə-ˌfras\

Function: noun

1 : a tall eastern North American tree (Sassafras albidum) of the laurel family (Lauraceae) with mucilaginous twigs and leaves
2 : the dried root bark of the sassafras formerly used as a diaphoretic and flavoring agent but now prohibited for use as a flavoring or food additive because of its carcinogenic properties