Definition

Noun: * A perennial plant: A coarse, prickly perennial herb (Eryngium yuccifolium) native to the central and eastern United States. It is historically named for the belief that it could be used as a remedy or antidote for rattlesnake venom.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The prairie restoration project includes planting native species like rattlesnake master.
  • Early settlers sometimes called it rattlesnake master due to its purported medicinal use.

Advanced Usage

• The name "rattlesnake master" is an example of a folk etymology or historical common name, reflecting traditional beliefs rather than scientifically proven properties. In modern botanical and ecological contexts, its scientific name is often preferred for precision.

Variants and Related Words

• Button snakeroot (n): Another common name for the same plant (), referring to the appearance of its flower heads.
• Eryngo (n): The common name for plants in the genus , to which rattlesnake master belongs.

Synonyms

• Eryngium yuccifolium (n): The scientific botanical name.
• Button eryngo (n): A descriptive common name.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the plant species . It is not a general term for any plant that may repel or treat snake bites.
• The "master" part of the name implies dominance or control over the rattlesnake (its venom), stemming from folk medicine traditions.

Noun

1. coarse prickly perennial eryngo of United States thought to cure rattlesnake bite