Sassafras | 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 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 Novae Zelandiae). -- Sassafras nut. See Pichurim bean. -- Swamp sassafras, the sweet bay (Magnolia glauca). See Magnolia. [ 1913 Webster ]
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