pip·sis·se·wa   (pĭp-sĭs'ə-wô', -wə)    n.  Any of several evergreen plants of the genus Chimaphila, especially the Eurasian species C. umbellata, having white or pinkish flowers grouped in a terminal corymb. Also called prince's pine. [Perhaps Eastern Abenaki kpi-pskwáhsawe, woods flower, pipsissewa.]

Main Entry: pip·sis·se·wa
Pronunciation: pip-'sis-&-"wo
Function: noun
: any of a genus (Chimaphila, especially C.umbellata) of evergreen herbs of the wintergreen family (Pyrolaceae) with astringent leaves used as a tonic and diuretic

pipsissewa

any evergreen, herbaceous plant of the genus Chimaphila, of the heath family (Ericaceae). C. umbellata, sometimes also called prince's pine, love-in-winter, and wintergreen, occurs in North America from Canada to Mexico and in Europe and Japan. C. maculata, sometimes called striped pipsissewa, rheumatism root, dragon's tongue, and spotted wintergreen, occurs in North America from Canada to the southern United States. The name pipsissewa derives from a Cree Indian word referring to the diuretic properties of the leaves when eaten.

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