China root

English

Alternative forms

Noun

China root (countable and uncountable, plural China roots)

  1. Smilax glabra, an East Asian plant; the drugs made from the root, used in traditional Chinese medicine and formerly as a treatment for syphilis.
    • 1893, The Handbook of Jamaica, page 44:
      In his first report on the condition of the island he informed the King that "sugar, ginger, indigo, cotton, tobacco, dyeing woods and cocoa may be had and are produced as well as anywhere ; but pimento, chinaroots, aloes, rhubarb, sarsaparilla, tamarinds, cassia, vaignillios, hides and tallow are the proper commodities.
  2. Smilax china, an East Asian liana.

Derived terms
  • false chinaroot

References
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