rattlesnake master

noun

: a perennial herb (Eryngium yuccifolium) of the carrot family native to the eastern half of the U.S. that has a basal rosette of bluish-green, fibrous, parallel-veined, swordlike leaves that may reach a length of 30 inches (76 centimeters) and small, greenish-white flowers clustered in dense flower heads resembling thistle : button snakeroot sense 2

Note: The sap of rattlesnake master was once thought to prevent snake bites.

Examples of rattlesnake master in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Hetzel also likes the native rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium), but says that any of the sea hollies (Eryngium spp.) as well as globe thistle (echinops) will retain their round orbs after the flowers have faded. Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2023 Advertisement Baisden says perennials such as yarrow (Achillea millefolium), wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) and fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) are survivors even in parching sun. Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 12 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rattlesnake master was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near rattlesnake master

Cite this Entry

“Rattlesnake master.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rattlesnake%20master. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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