zanthoxylum
Definition of zanthoxylum
1a 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 less commonly xanthoxylum plural -s : the dried bark of prickly ash or hercules'-club formerly used as a diaphoretic and stimulant
Read the Latest from M-W
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of zanthoxylum
New Latin, irregular from xanth- + -xylum
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up zanthoxylum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!