ˈjinˌsaŋ, -ˌsaiŋ, -ˌseŋ, -ˌsiŋ; -in(t)siŋ, -in(t)sēŋ noun
also gen·seng “, ˈjen-
( -s )
Etymology: Chinese (Pekingese) jen 2 -shen 1
1. : a Chinese herb ( Panax schinseng ) having 5-foliolate leaves and umbels of small greenish flowers succeeded by scarlet berries
2. : any of several plants (genus Panax ) related to or used as substitutes for the Chinese ginseng ; especially : a No. American woodland herb ( P. quinquefolius ) with 5-foliolate leaves
3. : the aromatic root of either Chinese or American ginseng that has a sweetish taste suggestive of licorice and is highly valued as a medicine in China though of value chiefly as a demulcent