Definition

1. Noun:
   • A carbonated soft drink: A beverage, typically non-alcoholic, that is flavored with an extract from the sarsaparilla root or with similar flavorings like birch oil and sassafras.
   • A type of plant: Any of various prickly, climbing vines belonging to the tropical American genus Smilax, known for their aromatic roots and heart-shaped leaves.

Examples

• Noun (Beverage):
  • He ordered a cold sarsaparilla at the old-fashioned soda fountain.
  • The recipe for traditional sarsaparilla often includes sassafras.
• Noun (Plant):
  • The sarsaparilla is a woody vine native to Central America.
  • Medicinal extracts are derived from the root of the sarsaparilla plant.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Medicinal Context: Historically, sarsaparilla root was used in traditional medicine and as a flavoring agent. The drink became popular in the 19th century.
  • In the 1800s, sarsaparilla was marketed as a health tonic.

Variants and Related Words

• Smilax (n): The botanical genus name for the sarsaparilla plants.
• Root beer (n): A similar carbonated soft drink, often compared to or confused with sarsaparilla.

Synonyms

• Soft drink (for the beverage meaning).
• Vine, climber (for the plant meaning).

Related Phrases/Idioms

(This word is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions.)

Noun

1. carbonated drink flavored with an extract from sarsaparilla root or with birch oil and sassafras
2. any of various prickly climbing plants of the tropical American genus Smilax having aromatic roots and heart-shaped leaves