smilax

[smahy-laks]

smi·lax

[smahy-laks]
noun
1.
any plant belonging to the genus Smilax, of the lily family, growing in tropical and temperate zones, consisting mostly of vines having woody stems.
2.
a delicate, twining plant, Asparagus asparagoides, of the lily family, having glossy, bright-green, egg-shaped leaves, cultivated by florists.

Origin:
1595–1605; < Latin smīlax bindweed < Greek smîlax bindweed, yew
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Smilax is always a great word to know.
So is bezoar. Does it mean:
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
Collins
World English Dictionary
smilax (ˈsmaɪlæks)
 
n
1.  any typically climbing shrub of the smilacaceous genus Smilax, of warm and tropical regions, having slightly lobed leaves, small greenish or yellow flowers, and berry-like fruits: includes the sarsaparilla plant and greenbrier
2.  a fragile, much branched liliaceous vine, Asparagus asparagoides, of southern Africa: cultivated by florists for its glossy bright green foliage
 
[C17: via Latin from Greek: bindweed]

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