Sassafras (sas's af-ras). 1

A genus of plants of the Laurinae. 2. Of the U. S. Ph., the root bark of S. variifoli. mucilago S. medullae. Mucilage of s. pith [U. S. Ph.]. oil of S. A pungent aromatic volatile oil obtained by distillation from the root of S. variifoli; a mixture of S. camphor and safrene. It is used for flavoring effervescent beverages, etc., and may be used in medicine as an aromatic, though in overdoses it acts as a narcotic poison and in some cases as an abortifacient. oleum Sa afras. See oil of S. [U. S. Ph.]. s. medulla. S. pith [U. S. Ph.]. S. of ficin ale, S. var i i folium. American s.; the only species. Various parts are distinguished by a pleasant aromatic odor and taste, which is most pronounced in the root bark. The leaves are sometimes used as a condiment and chewed to allay thirst, s. pith. The spongy, mucilaginous medulla of S. of ficin ale. It forms with water the mucilago s. medullae (q. v.), which is used as an emollient and demulcent [U. S. Ph.]. s. radix. The root of S.- of ficin ale [Br. Ph. 1898.] [Lat, saxum, stone, + frangere, to break.]