birthwort

noun

birth·​wort ˈbərth-ˌwərt How to pronounce birthwort (audio)
-ˌwȯrt
: any of several herbs or woody vines (genus Aristolochia of the family Aristolochiaceae, the birthwort family) with aromatic roots used in folk medicine to aid childbirth

Examples of birthwort in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These flora tend to come from the genera Aristolochia (e.g., birthwort, pipevine) and Asarum (wild gingers). Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 18 Oct. 2017 The pipevine (Aristolochia) is also known as birthwort and Dutchman’s pipe. Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2017

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

Word History

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of birthwort was in 1551

Dictionary Entries Near birthwort

Cite this Entry

“Birthwort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/birthwort. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

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