Rheum Rhaponticum

Rhubarb Rhu"barb, n. [F. rhubarbe, OF. rubarbe, rheubarbe, reubarbare, reobarbe, LL. rheubarbarum for rheum barbarum, Gr. ??? (and ??) 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 {Polygonace[ae]}. [1913 Webster]

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}. [1913 Webster]

3. (Med.) The root of several species of {Rheum}, used much as a cathartic medicine. [1913 Webster]

{Monk's rhubarb}. (Bot.) See under {Monk}.

{Turkey rhubarb} (Med.), the roots of {Rheum Emodi}. [1913 Webster]