Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
 
Help
Popular Searches
Nearby Words

rhatany

 - 3 dictionary results

rhat⋅a⋅ny

  [rat-n-ee]
Use rhatany in a Sentence
–noun, plural -nies.
1. either of two South American shrubs belonging to the genus Krameria, of the legume family, K. tiandra (knotty rhatany or Peruvian rhatany) or K. argentea (Brazilian rhatany or Pará rhatany).
2. the root of either of these plants, used as an astringent and tonic in medicine and also to color port wine.
Origin:
1800–10; < NL rhatania < AmerSp rataña
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To rhatany
rhat·a·ny   (rāt'n-ē)   
n.   pl. rhat·a·nies

  1. Either of two South American shrubs (Krameria lappacea or K. argentea) having bilaterally symmetrical flowers, spiny globose fruits, and thick roots.

  2. The dried root of either of these plants, formerly used as an astringent and now used in various dental preparations, such as toothpaste and mouthwash.


[American Spanish ratania, possibly from Quechua ratana, to thin, unite.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: rhat·a·ny
Pronunciation: 'rat-&n-E
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -nies
: KRAMERIA 2
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see rhatany on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way