Birthroot

noun

2. In <em>botany</em>, a name given to various species of <em>Trillium</em>, especially <em>T. pendulum</em>, the roots of which are reputed to be astringent, tonic, and alterative, and to have a special effect upon the uterus and connected organs. Also called <internalXref urlencoded="birthwort">birthwort</internalXref>, and corruptly <em>bethroot</em> and <em>bathwort.</em>
3. An herbaceous plant (<spn>Trillium erectum</spn>), and its astringent rootstock, which is said to have medicinal properties.
4. Trillium erectum, a <xref>perennial</xref> <xref>plant</xref> of <xref>North America</xref> with deep-red <xref>flowers</xref>.
5. trillium of eastern North America having malodorous pink to purple flowers and an astringent root used in folk medicine especially to ease childbirth