Definition of ginseng
1a
: a Chinese perennial herb (Panax ginseng synonym P. schinseng of the family Araliaceae, the ginseng family) having five leaflets on each leaf, scarlet berries, and an aromatic root used in herbal medicine especially in eastern Asia
b
: any of several plants related to ginseng
especially
: a North American herb (P. quinquefolius)
2
: the root of a ginseng
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for ginseng
The first known use of ginseng was in 1654
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