Definition

Noun: 1. A perennial herb of the genus Actaea: A type of flowering plant belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. 2. Characterized by toxic properties: Known for its acrid (bitter and sharp-tasting) and poisonous berries, which are typically small, shiny, and dark-colored (black or red).

Examples

• Noun:
  • Several species of cohosh, like black cohosh and blue cohosh, have been used in traditional medicine.
  • The cohosh plant produces clusters of white flowers in the spring.
  • It is important to remember that the berries of the cohosh are poisonous and should not be ingested.

Advanced Usage

• The term "cohosh" is often used in compound names that specify a particular species, which have distinct traditional uses. These compounds are listed separately below.
• In botanical and herbal contexts, "cohosh" specifically refers to plants within the or genera known for their medicinal roots and rhizomes, despite the toxicity of their berries.

Variants and Related Words

• Black cohosh ( or ): A species whose root is commonly used in herbal supplements, primarily for women's health.
• Blue cohosh (): A different genus of plant, also used in traditional medicine, known for its blue-colored berries.
• White cohosh / Red cohosh: Common names sometimes used for other species, referring to the color of their berries.

Synonyms

• Baneberry: This is the more common general name for plants in the genus , directly referencing the poisonous nature of their berries.
• Bugbane: A name sometimes used for black cohosh ().

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning of "cohosh" is botanical, referring to a group of plants with specific toxic characteristics.
• In modern usage, the word is rarely used alone. It is almost always encountered as part of a compound name (e.g., "black cohosh"), where it denotes a specific herb with a history of medicinal use. The compound term refers to the useful root, while the simple term "cohosh" reminds of the plant's overall poisonous nature, especially its berries.

Noun

1. a plant of the genus Actaea having acrid poisonous berries