Cimicifuga racemosa

9.9

A North American plant used in herbal medicine, also called black cohosh

noun
/ˌsɪmɪˈsɪfʊɡə reɪˈsiːmoʊsə/

Specialized

: Cimicifuga racemosa

Many herbal supplements contain extracts from Cimicifuga racemosa to help with menopausal symptoms.

Examples

The roots of Cimicifuga racemosa have been used in traditional Native American remedies.
Researchers are studying Cimicifuga racemosa for its potential effects on women's health.
Wow! Cimicifuga racemosa really works for some people!
The herbalist recommended Cimicifuga racemosa for menopausal symptoms.
Many herbal supplements contain extracts from Cimicifuga racemosa to help with menopausal symptoms.
Researchers are studying Cimicifuga racemosa for its potential effects on women's health.
The roots of Cimicifuga racemosa have been used in traditional Native American remedies.

Synonyms

black cohosh

vsCimicifuga racemosa

1 9.4

A tall North American plant with small white flowers used in herbal medicine

emphasises native North American range rather than botanical family

Surface Forms

Cimicifuga racemosa singular

Cimicifuga racemosas plural

Morphology

Cimicifuga + racemosa

This is a Latin binomial (scientific plant name) rather than a compositional everyday English phrase; its meaning (a specific species, black cohosh) cannot be predicted by combining the two Latin constituents. One constituent is a technical genus name and the other is an unfamiliar Latin epithet, so a B1 learner who 'knows' the listed words would not reliably infer the common-usage meaning or medicinal relevance.

Etymology

Cimicifuga racemosa may come from Latin words: Cimicifuga meaning 'bug chaser' and racemosa meaning 'in clusters', because people once thought the roots could drive away insects and the flowers grow in tight groups. That's why the name fits the black cohosh plant and can help you remember it is used in herbal medicine.