sassafras

noun sas·sa·fras \ ˈsa-sə-ˌfras \

Definition of sassafras

1 : an eastern North American tree (Sassafras albidum) of the laurel family having both ovate and lobed aromatic leaves

2 : the carcinogenic dried root bark of the sassafras used formerly as a diaphoretic or flavoring agent

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See sassafras defined for kids

Recent Examples of sassafras from the Web

Bay leaf and sassafras trees and plants are also on the bug’s nesting list.

— willie james inman, Fox News, "Beetle threatens Florida avocado industry," 13 July 2017
Sweetbay magnolia and sassafras trees have materialized.

— jane margolies, New York Times, "Rooftop Terrace at Brooklyn Children’s Museum Is Set to Open," 15 June 2017
Made with sassafras, vanilla and cinnamon sticks, this creamy, lively soft drink comes with one free refill, for $4.

— carla meyer, sacbee.com, "This Placer County barbecue spot is a (literally) hidden gem," 1 June 2017
Cow parsley was also called is crow’s foot, and sassafras is the tea that was said to thin blood.

— kansascity, kansascity.com, "Think you know nature? Take the test," 27 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sassafras.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sassafras

Spanish sasafrás

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1577

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

SASSAFRAS Defined for English Language Learners

sassafras

noun

Definition of sassafras for English Language Learners

: a tall tree of eastern North America
: the dried bark from the root of the sassafras that is used in medicine and as a flavoring

SASSAFRAS Defined for Kids

sassafras

noun sas·sa·fras \ ˈsa-sə-ˌfras \

Definition of sassafras for Students

: a tall tree of eastern North America whose dried root bark was formerly used in medicine or as a flavoring

Medical Dictionary

sassafras

noun sas·sa·fras \ ˈsas-ə-ˌfras \

medical Definition of sassafras

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