sassafras
noun
sas·sa·fras
ˈsa-sə-ˌfras 
1
: an eastern North American tree (Sassafras albidum) of the laurel family having both ovate and lobed aromatic leaves
2
: the carcinogenic dried root bark of the sassafras used formerly as a diaphoretic or flavoring agent
Examples of sassafras in a Sentence
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What is filé powder? Also called gumbo filé, filé powder is made by harvesting the leaves of North American sassafras trees, and grinding them to a fine powder.
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Pam Lolley, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2023
Fresh, lively pinot noir with flavors of cherries and sassafras, this affordable wine makes for easy sipping on its own or with food.
—Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 1 Dec. 2022
Raleigh was also attempting to gain a monopoly over sassafras, and he was later imprisoned for treason.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2021
Black cherry, thyme and a hint of sassafras — simple, straightforward and delicious.
—Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 22 Dec. 2022
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Pam Lolley, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2023
Fresh, lively pinot noir with flavors of cherries and sassafras, this affordable wine makes for easy sipping on its own or with food.
—Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 1 Dec. 2022
Raleigh was also attempting to gain a monopoly over sassafras, and he was later imprisoned for treason.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2021
Black cherry, thyme and a hint of sassafras — simple, straightforward and delicious.
—Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 22 Dec. 2022
See all Example Sentences for sassafras
Dictionary Entries Near sassafras
Cite this Entry
“Sassafras.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sassafras. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sassafras
noun
sas·sa·fras
ˈsas-(ə-)ˌfras
: a tall eastern North American tree that is related to the laurels and has fragrant yellow flowers and bluish black berries
also
: its dried root bark used formerly in medicine or as a flavoring
Medical Definition
sassafras
noun
sas·sa·fras
ˈsas-ə-ˌfras
1
: a tall eastern North American tree (Sassafras albidum) of the laurel family (Lauraceae) with mucilaginous twigs and leaves
2
: the dried root bark of the sassafras formerly used as a diaphoretic and flavoring agent but now prohibited for use as a flavoring or food additive because of its carcinogenic properties
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