echinacea

noun ech·i·na·cea \ˌe-ki-ˈnā-sē-ə, -sh(ē-)ə\

Definition of ECHINACEA

: the dried rhizome, roots, or other parts of any of three purple coneflowers that are used primarily in dietary supplements and herbal remedies for the stimulating effect they are held to have on the immune system; also : any of these herbs

Origin of ECHINACEA

New Latin, genus name, from echin- + -acea (feminine of -aceus -aceous)

First Known Use: circa 1859

Medical Dictionary

echinacea

noun ech·i·na·cea \ˌek-i-ˈnā-sē-ə, -sh(ē-)ə\

Medical Definition of ECHINACEA

: the dried rhizome, roots, or other part of any of three composite herbs (Echinacea angustifolia, E. pallida, and E. purpurea) that were formerly listed in the United States Pharmacopeia, that are now used primarily in dietary supplements and herbal remedies, and that are held to stimulate the immune system; also : any of these herbs—see purple coneflower