ˈmanˌdrāk, -aan- noun
Etymology: Middle English, probably alteration (influenced by drake ) (I) of mandragge, mandragora, from Old English mandragora, from Latin mandragoras, from Greek
1.
a. : an herb ( Mandragora officinarum ) of southern Europe and northern Africa that has ovate leaves, whitish or purple flowers followed by globose yellow fruits which were formerly supposed to have aphrodisiac properties, and a large forked root which has been credited with human attributes and made the subject of many superstitions
b.
(1) : the root of this plant formerly used especially to promote conception, as a cathartic, or as a narcotic and soporific
(2) : a solution or draft of mandrake root (as in wine) formerly used as a narcotic
(3) : a fake or substitute for this root (as one carved from the root of a bryony)
2.
a. : any of several other plants ; especially : mayapple 1
b. : podophyllum 2
[s]mandrake.jpg[/s] [
mandrake 1
]