rattlesnake root
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- any of a number of perennial plants (genus Prenanthes) of the composite family, with small, cylindrical, drooping heads and intensely bitter roots, formerly considered a cure for snakebite
- any of various other plants formerly considered such a cure
See rattlesnake root in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun Any of various plants of the genus Prenanthes, having bitter-tasting tuberous roots and white to purple ligulate flower heads.
Origin:
Origin: From the belief that the root cured a rattlesnake's bite
.