/sas'peuh ril"euh, sahr'seuh peuh-, sahr'speuh-/ , n.
1. any of various climbing or trailing tropical American plants belonging to the genus Smilax, of the lily family, having alternate leaves, umbels of flowers, and a root that has been used in the treatment of psoriasis.
2. the root.
3. an extract or other preparation made of this root.
4. a soft drink flavored with an extract of this root, as root beer.
[ 1570-80; zarzaparrilla, equiv. to zarza bush + parrilla ( parr ( a ) vine + -illa dim. suffix) ]