Sēn'e-ca-rōot, n.

n. [Probably so called from the Seneca Indians.] (Bot.) The root of a low plant (Polygala senega), bearing spikes of white flowers, and common in the United States. The root has an aromatic, sweetish-bitter taste, and is used in medicine as an expectorant and diuretic. In large doses, it produces vomiting and purging. It is also called Virginia snake-root. [Written also Senega-root and Seneca-root.]