from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sassafras \Sas"sa*fras\, n. [F. sassafras (cf. It. sassafrasso,
sassafras, Sp. sasafras, salsafras, salsifrax, salsifragia,
saxifragia), fr. L. saxifraga saxifrage. See {Saxifrage}.]
(Bot.)
An American tree of the Laurel family ({Sassafras
officinale}); also, the bark of the roots, which has an
aromatic smell and taste.
[1913 Webster]
{Australian sassafras}, a lofty tree ({Doryophora Sassafras})
with aromatic bark and leaves.
{Chilian sassafras}, an aromatic tree ({Laurelia
sempervirens}).
{New Zealand sassafras}, a similar tree ({Laurelia Novae
Zelandiae}).
{Sassafras nut}. See {Pichurim bean}.
{Swamp sassafras}, the sweet bay ({Magnolia glauca}). See
{Magnolia}.
[1913 Webster]