sarsaparilla: Meaning and Definition of

sar•sa•pa•ril•la

1. any of various climbing or trailing tropical American plants belonging to the genus Smilax, of the lily family, having alternate leaves, umbels of flowers, and a root that has been used in the treatment of psoriasis.
2. the root.
3. an extract or other preparation made of this root.
4. a soft drink flavored with an extract of this root, as root beer.