podophyllum

noun

podo·​phyl·​lum ˌpä-də-ˈfi-ləm How to pronounce podophyllum (audio)
: the dried rhizome and rootlet of the mayapple that is used as a caustic or as a source of the more effective podophyllin

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Podophyllum, genus of herbs including the mayapple

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of podophyllum was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near podophyllum

Cite this Entry

“Podophyllum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/podophyllum. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

podophyllum

noun
podo·​phyl·​lum -ˈfil-əm How to pronounce podophyllum (audio)
1
capitalized : a small genus of herbs (family Berberidaceae) that have poisonous rootstocks and large fleshy sometimes edible berries
2
plural podophylli -ˈfil-ˌī How to pronounce podophyllum (audio) or podophyllums : the dried rhizome and rootlet of the mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) that is used as a caustic or as a source of the more effective podophyllin
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