podophyllum

noun

podo·​phyl·​lum ˌpä-də-ˈfi-ləm 

: the dried rhizome and rootlet of the mayapple that is used as a caustic or as a source of the more effective podophyllin

Examples of podophyllum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Also known as arrowhead vine, Syngonium podophyllum is a climbing tropical vine native to the rainforests of Mexico and Ecuador. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Podophyllum, genus of herbs including the mayapple

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

podophyllum

noun

podo·​phyl·​lum -ˈfil-əm 

1

capitalized : a small genus of herbs (family Berberidaceae) that have poisonous rootstocks and large fleshy sometimes edible berries

2

plural podophylli -ˈfil-ˌī  or podophyllums : the dried rhizome and rootlet of the mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) that is used as a caustic or as a source of the more effective podophyllin