Bloodroot

/ˈblʌdˌruːt/ noun

Definition

A North American spring wildflower with white or pink flowers and a reddish root that contains a red sap.

Etymology

Compound of blood and root (from Old English rot), named for the distinctive red-colored sap in the plant's rhizome, discovered by European settlers in North America.

Kelly Says

Native Americans and early colonists used bloodroot's red sap as dye and medicine, but it's actually quite toxic—the name perfectly captures how something beautiful and blood-like can also be dangerous.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.