Bitterroot
/ˈbɪt.ər.ruːt/noun
A North American plant of the genus Lewisia, noted for its bitter taproot and pink or white flowers.
Did you know?The bitterroot plant was named directly for its intensely bitter edible root, and the name later became famous as both a plant name and the state flower of Montana.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
biter
“Biting, sharp-tasting, or harsh”
Old English
OE
rot
“Root of a plant”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bheid-
“To split, cleave, or bite”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wrād- / *wrēd-
“Root, branch, or plant part”
Modern English
English
bitter root
“A plant with a bitter root, especially Lewisia rediviva”