Snake'-root, n.

n. (Bot.) One of several plants of different genera and species, most of which are, or were formerly, reputed to be efficacious as remedies for the bites of serpents, as the Virginia snakeroot, Aristolochia serpentaria; black snakeroot, Sanicula, especially S. Marilandica; also Cimicifuga (or Actæa) racemosa; Seneca snakeroot, Polygala senega; button snakeroot, Liatris, also Eryngium; white snakeroot, Eupatorium ageratoides; and some others.

☞ The name is also applied to the roots of certain plants supposed to be valuable as remedies for snake-bites.