Advertisement

Advertisement

pleurisy root

noun

  1. a North American milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa, whose root was used as a remedy for pleurisy.
  2. the root.


pleurisy root

noun

  1. the root of the butterfly weed, formerly used as a cure for pleurisy
  2. another name for butterfly weed
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleurisy root1

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85
Discover More

Example Sentences

Infusum asclepiadis tuberos, L. From the root of butterfly weed or pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa).

When they came to the large beds of orange pleurisy root the Girl cried out with pleasure.

This flower has a variety of names: it is called pleurisy root, and wind root, and orange root.

Unlike the other milkweeds, the Pleurisy Root contains little or no milky juice.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


pleurisypleuro-