SASSAFRAS

sassafras. Sassafras, n. a species of the laurel

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Sas″sa‐fras (?), n. [[F. sassafras (cf. It. sassafrasso, sassafras, Sp. sasafras, salsafras, salsifrax, salsifragia, saxifragia), fr. L. saxifraga saxifrage. See Saxifrage.]] (Bot.) An American tree of the Laurel family (Sassafras officinale); also, the bark of the roots, which has an aromatic smell and taste. Australian sassafras, a lofty tree (Doryophora Sassafras) with aromatic bark and leaves. — Chilian sassafras, an aromatic tree (Laurelia sempervirens). — New Zealand sassafras, a similar tree (Laurelia Novæ Zelandiæ). — Sassafras nut. See Pichurim bean. — Swamp sassafras, the sweet bay (Magnolia glauca). See Magnolia.