sparerib (sparrib)

[Formerly also spear rib; of pork consisting of the up IMG:content-1636.png:[blocks in formation] the meat adhering to them. Sparerib roasted or broiled is esteemed a delicacy. Sparganium (spär-gā'ni-um), [NL. (Tournefort, 1700), IMG:content-1637.png:[blocks in formation] Sparganium slender rootstocks erect or floating smooth spongy stems, and alternate entire linear leaves, usually with a sheathing base, stiffly ascending at a wide angle with the stem (whence they were formerly called reed - gra ). The flowers form globular heads, the upper staminate, the lower pistillate, in fruit becoming spherical compact bur-like bodies composed of many sharp-pointed spongy nutlets (whence the popular name bur -reed). They are sometimes planted along the margin of water. The stems have been used to make paper, and the roots of S. ramosum and S. simplex were once in repute as a remedy for snake-bites.