/berrth"werrt', -wawrt'/ , n.
1. any of various plants of the genus Aristolochia, esp. A. clematitis, an Old World species reputed to facilitate childbirth. Cf. birthwort family .
2. any of various other plants believed to aid childbirth.
3. birthroot.
[ 1545-55; BIRTH + WORT 2 ]