zanthoxylum

noun

zan·​thox·​y·​lum
1
a
capitalized : a genus of widely distributed shrubs or trees (family Rutaceae) having odd-pinnate leaves, small greenish flowers with 2 to 5 pistils, and 2-valved fleshy capsules
b
plural -s : any plant of the genus Zanthoxylum
2
or less commonly xanthoxylum plural -s : the dried bark of prickly ash or hercules'-club formerly used as a diaphoretic and stimulant

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, irregular from xanth- + -xylum

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Cite this Entry

“Zanthoxylum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zanthoxylum. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

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