Virginia snakeroot

noun

: a birthwort (Aristolochia serpentaria) of the eastern U.S. with oblong leaves usually cordate at the base and pointed at the tip and a solitary basal brownish-purple flower

Word History

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Virginia snakeroot was in 1694

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Virginia snakeroot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Virginia%20snakeroot. Accessed 30 Jan. 2023.

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Medical Definition

Virginia snakeroot

noun

Vir·gin·ia snakeroot vər-ˌjin-yə-, -ˌjin-ē-ə-

: a plant of the genus Aristolochia (A. serpentaria) of the eastern United States with oblong leaves cordate at the base and a solitary basal brownish purple flower see serpentaria