Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Rhubarb
Rhu′barb
,Noun.
[F.
rhubarbe
, OF. rubarbe
, rheubarbe
, reubarbare
, reobarbe
, LL. rheubarbarum
for rheum barbarum
, Gr. [GREEK][GREEK][GREEK] (and [GREEK][GREEK]) rhubarb, from the river Rha
(the Volga) on whose banks it grew. Originally, therefore, it was the barbarian plant from the Rha. Cf. Barbarous
, Rhaponticine
.] 1.
(Bot.)
The name of several large perennial herbs of the genus
Rheum
and order Polygonaceae
. 2.
The large and fleshy leafstalks of
Rheum Rhaponticum
and other species of the same genus. They are pleasantly acid, and are used in cookery. Called also pieplant
. 3.
(Med.)
The root of several species of
Rheum
, used much as a cathartic medicine. Webster 1828 Edition
Rhubarb
RHU'BARB
, n.A plant of the genus Rheum, of several species; as the rhapontic, or common rhubarb; the palmated, or true Chinese rhubarb; the compact or Tartarian; the undulated or wave-leafed Chinese rhubarb; and the rubes, or currant rhubarb of mount Libanus. The root is medicinal and much used as a moderate cathartic.