Sär'sa-pa-ril'la, n.

n. [Sp. zarzapar(r)illa, It. salsapariglia, Fr. salsepareille, from Sp. zarza, Bisc. zartzia, a bramble, and parrilla, a vine, or Parillo, the name of a physician who is said to have discovered it.] (Bot.) A Mexican plant, a species of Smilax, whose root is valued in medicine for its mucilaginous and farinaceous or demulcent qualities;—called also sarsa.

☞ The name is applied also to many species of Aralia, or ginseng root, in the United States.