| bryony | <botany> The common name of several cucurbitaceous plants of the genus Bryonia. The root of B. Alba (rough or white bryony) and of B. Dioica is a strong, irritating cathartic. Black bryony, a plant (Tamus communis) so named from its dark glossy leaves and black root; black bindweed. Origin: L. Bryonia, Gr, fr. To swell, esp. Of plants. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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