the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. A genus of perennial herbs of eastern North America and Asia having aromatic tuberous roots: ginseng.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. A genus of plants of the order Araliaceæ, type of the series Panaceæ, characterized by the two-celled ovary, pedicels jointed under the flower, usually panicled or racemed umbles, and obliquely decurrent stigmas.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. perennial herbs of eastern North America and Asia having aromatic tuberous roots: ginseng
Word Usage
"Indeed, the reverence in which some hold ginseng is reflected in its botanical name panax, which is derived from the Greek word for panacea."