sassafras

[ sas-uh-fras ]

/ ˈsæs əˌfræs /

an American tree, Sassafras albidum, of the laurel family, having egg-shaped leaves and long clusters of greenish-yellow flowers.

the aromatic bark of its root, used medicinally and especially for flavoring beverages, confectionery, etc.

Origin of sassafras

First recorded in 1570–80, sassafras is from the Spanish word sasafrás

Thats enough for to-night, she said, after she had sent Sassafras away.

The Woman Gives |Owen Johnson
The caterpillars of this species feed upon the leaves of sassafras and spice bush.

Butterflies Worth Knowing |Clarence M. Weed
In Texas most of the sassafras supplied by sawmills is manufactured into furniture, but is listed as ash.

American Forest Trees |Henry H. Gibson
To successfully make soap, it was necessary to stir the contents of the kettle with a sassafras stick.

Trees of Indiana |Charles Clemon Deam

Julius was still harping on the rudeness of this guard as he fanned the flies off John's table with a sassafras brush at supper.

The Southerner |Thomas Dixon

sassafras

/ (ˈsæsəˌfræs) /

an aromatic deciduous lauraceous tree, Sassafras albidum, of North America, having three-lobed leaves and dark blue fruits

the aromatic dried root bark of this tree, used as a flavouring, and yielding sassafras oil

Australian any of several unrelated trees having a similar fragrant bark

C16: from Spanish sasafrás, of uncertain origin