Definition: eryngium

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

Eryngium
     n : large genus of decorative plants with thistlelike flower
         heads; cosmopolitan in distribution [syn: Eryngium, genus
         Eryngium]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Snakeroot \Snake"root`\, n. (Bot.)
   Any one of several plants of different genera and species,
   most of which are (or were formerly) reputed to be
   efficacious as remedies for the bites of serpents; also, the
   roots of any of these.

   Note: The Virginia snakeroot is Aristolochia Serpentaria;
         black snakeroot is Sanicula, esp. S. Marilandica,
         also Cimicifuga racemosa; Seneca snakeroot is
         Polygala Senega; button snakeroot is Liatris, also
         Eryngium; white snakeroot is Eupatorium
         ageratoides. The name is also applied to some others
         besides these.
Eryngium \E*ryn"gi*um\ ([-e]*r[i^]n"j[i^]*[u^]m), n. [NL., fr.
   Gr. 'hry`ggion, dim. of 'h`ryggos eryngo; cf. L. eryngion,
   erynge.] (Bot.)
   A genus of umbelliferous plants somewhat like thistles in
   appearance. Eryngium maritimum, or sea holly, has been
   highly esteemed as an aphrodisiac, the roots being formerly
   candied.