ephedra

noun ephe·dra \i-ˈfe-drə, ˈe-fə-drə\

Definition of EPHEDRA

: any of a genus (Ephedra of the family Ephedraceae) of jointed nearly leafless shrubs of dry or desert regions with the leaves reduced to scales at the nodes

: an extract of ma huang containing ephedrine and related alkaloids and used as a dietary supplement

Origin of EPHEDRA

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, equisetum, from Greek, from ephedros sitting upon, from epi- + hedra seat — more at sit

First Known Use: circa 1889

Medical Dictionary

ephedra

noun ephed·ra \i-ˈfed-rə, ˈef-əd-rə\

Medical Definition of EPHEDRA

a capitalized : a large genus of jointed nearly leafless shrubs (family Gnetaceae) of dry or desert regions that have the leaves reduced to scales at the nodes and include some (especially E. sinica) that are a source of ephedrine—see ma huang b : any plant of the genus Ephedra

: an extract of ma huang containing ephedrine and related alkaloids and used as a dietary supplement