Definition: rattlesnake root

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

rattlesnake root
     n 1: herb of central and southern Europe having purple florets
          [syn: Prenanthes purpurea]
     2: a plant of the genus Nabalus

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 


   Ground rattlesnake (Zo["o]l.), a small rattlesnake
      (Caudisona, or Sistrurus, miliaria) of the Southern
      United States, having a small rattle. It has nine large
      scales on its head.

   Rattlesnake fern (Bot.), a common American fern
      (Botrychium Virginianum) having a triangular decompound
      frond and a long-stalked panicle of spore cases rising
      from the middle of the frond.

   Rattlesnake grass (Bot.), a handsome American grass
      (Glyceria Canadensis) with an ample panicle of rather
      large ovate spikelets, each one composed of imbricated
      parts and slightly resembling the rattle of the
      rattlesnake. Sometimes called quaking grass.

   Rattlesnake plantain (Bot.), See under Plantain.

   Rattlesnake root (Bot.), a name given to certain American
      species of the composite genus Prenanthes (P. alba and
      P. serpentaria), formerly asserted to cure the bite of
      the rattlesnake. Calling also lion's foot, gall of the
      earth, and white lettuce.

   Rattlesnake's master (Bot.)
   (a) A species of Agave (Agave Virginica) growing in the
       Southern United States.
   (b) An umbelliferous plant (Eryngium yucc[ae]folium) with
       large bristly-fringed linear leaves.
   (c) A composite plant, the blazing star (Liatris
       squarrosa).

   Rattlesnake weed (Bot.), a plant of the composite genus
      Hieracium (H. venosum); -- probably so named from its
      spotted leaves. See also Snakeroot.