ˌsa]s(ə)pəˈrilə, ˌsaa] also ˌsär] or ˌsȧ] or ̷ ̷]ˈsprilə or -relə, dial with f instead of p\ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Spanish zarzaparrilla, from zarza bush + parrilla, diminutive of parra vine
1.
a. : any of various Mexican, Central American, or So. American plants of the genus Smilax (as S. officinalis, S. papyracea, and S. aristolochiaefolia )
b. : the dried roots of a sarsaparilla plant used as a flavoring or olfactory agent in the form of an infusion, extract, or syrup
2. : any of various plants resembling or used as a substitute for sarsaparilla — see indian sarsaparilla , wild sarsaparilla
3. : a sweetened carbonated beverage similar to root beer with the predominant flavor from birch oil and sassafras