rauwolfia

noun

rau·​wol·​fia rau̇-ˈwu̇l-fē-ə 

rȯ-

1

: any of a genus (Rauvolfia synonym Rauwolfia) of pantropical trees and shrubs of the dogbane family that yield medicinal alkaloids (such as reserpine)

2

: the dried root or an extract from the root of a rauwolfia (especially Rauvolfia serpentina of Asia) used chiefly in the treatment of hypertension

Examples of rauwolfia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Embrace the power of rauwolfia and ashwagandha capsules, carefully crafted to instill a sense of tranquility and encourage a natural calm. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Leonhard Rauwolf †1596 German botanist

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

rauwolfia

noun

rau·​wol·​fia rau̇-ˈwu̇l-fē-ə  rȯ- 

1

: any of a genus (Rauvolfia synonym Rauwolfia) of tropical trees and shrubs of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) that yield medicinal alkaloids (as reserpine)

2

: the dried root or an extract from the root of a rauwolfia (especially Rauvolfia serpentina of Asia) used chiefly in the treatment of hypertension