cynanchum

noun

cy·​nan·​chum

sə̇ˈnaŋkəm

1

capitalized : a genus of twining vines (family Asclepiadaceae) with opposite hanging leaves, small greenish or purplish flowers, and long smooth pods

2

plural -s : the roots of several vines of the genus Cynanchum formerly used as an emetic

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek kynanchon dogbane (Marsdenia erecta), from kyn- cyn- + -anchon (from anchein to choke)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!