Bryony \Bry"o*ny\ (br[imac]"[-o]*n[y^]), n. [L. bryonia, Gr.
brywni`a, fr. bry`ein to swell, esp. of plants.] (Bot.)
The common name of several cucurbitaceous plants of the genus
{Bryonia}. The root of {Bryonia alba} ({rough bryony} or
{white bryony}) and of {Bryonia dioica} is a strong,
irritating cathartic.
[1913 Webster]
{Black bryony}, a plant ({Tamus communis}) so named from its
dark glossy leaves and black root; black bindweed.
[1913 Webster]