sarsaparilla

• sarsparilla, sasaparilla, sasparilla

From Spanish zarzaparrilla. The first element may ultimately derive from Basque; see zarza for more.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˌsɑːspəˈɹɪlə/
• (Northern England) IPA^(key): /ˌsaspəˈɹɛlə/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˌsæspəˈɹɪlə/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

sarsaparilla (countable and uncountable, plural sarsaparillas)

1. Any of various tropical (Central and South) American vines of the genus Smilax, such as Smilax regelii, which have fragrant roots.
2. The dried roots of these plants, or a flavoring material extracted from these roots.
3. A beverage (soft drink) flavored with this root, such as root beer.
4. Any of several North American plants, of the genus Aralia, having umbels and small white flowers.