Peruvian rhatany

noun

See under rhatany(def 1).

Definition for peruvian rhatany (2 of 2)

rhatany
[ rat-n-ee ]
/ ˈræt n i /

noun, plural rhat·a·nies.

either of two South American shrubs belonging to the genus Krameria, of the legume family, K. tiandra (knotty rhatany or Peruvian rhatany) or K. argentea (Brazilian rhatany or Pará rhatany).
the root of either of these plants, used as an astringent and tonic in medicine and also to color port wine.

Origin of rhatany

1800–10; < New Latin rhatania < American Spanish rataña

British Dictionary definitions for peruvian rhatany

rhatany
/ (ˈrætənɪ) /

noun plural -nies

either of two South American leguminous shrubs, Krameria triandra or K. argentea, that have thick fleshy roots
the dried roots of such shrubs used as an astringent
Also called: krameria

Word Origin for rhatany

C19: from New Latin rhatānia, ultimately from Quechua ratánya