: the root of an Asian angelica (Angelica sinensis) used especially in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic, analgesic, antispasmodic, and laxative
also : an extract or preparation of dong quai

Examples of dong quai in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of the species is Angelica sinensis (A. sinensis), also known as dong quai. Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024 Overall, data is conflicting on how useful supplements like black cohosh, flaxseed, and dong quai are for menopause symptoms. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (southern Fujian) dōngguī (or a cognate form in another Chinese dialect)

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dong quai was in 1988

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dong quai.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dong%20quai. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

: the root of an Asian angelica (Angelica sinensis) used especially in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic, analgesic, antispasmodic, and laxative
also : an extract or preparation of dong quai
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