Sarsaparilla

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /sɑːspəˈrɪlÉ™/
• Northern England IPA: /saspəˈrÉ›lÉ™/

Alternative forms

• sarsparilla, sasparilla

Origin

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

Noun

1. Any of various tropical (Central and South) American vines of the genus Smilax, such as , 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.
4. Any of several North American plants, of the genus Aralia, having umbels and small white flowers.