Definition

A type of tropical tree or shrub from the Rauvolfia genus, known for its medicinal properties, especially its root which is used to make drugs for treating high blood pressure.

Example

The doctor prescribed a medication derived from rauwolfia to help lower my blood pressure.

Conversation

Have you heard about rauwolfia?

Yeah, I think it's used for treating high blood pressure, right?

Exactly! It contains some alkaloids that help with relaxation.

That's interesting; I didn't know it had such medicinal properties!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Rauwolfia is derived from the name of the German botanist Leonhard Rauwolf, who studied plants in the 16th century. The suffix '-ia' is commonly used in Latin to denote a place or condition. Therefore, Rauwolfia refers to a plant associated with Rauwolf's studies or discoveries.

Memory Tip

Think of Rauwolfia as a plant named after the botanist Rauwolf, indicating its connection to his work in botany.

Visually Confused Words