rhatany
noun pl. rhatanies
- the strongly astringent root of any of several South American dicotyledonous plants (genus Krameria, family Krameriaceae, order Polygalales)
- any of these plants
See rhatany in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(rătˈn-ē)
noun pl. rhat·a·nies - Either of two South American shrubs (Krameria lappacea or K. argentea) having bilaterally symmetrical flowers, spiny globose fruits, and thick roots.
- The dried root of either of these plants, formerly used as an astringent and now used in various dental preparations, such as toothpaste and mouthwash.