astragalus

noun

as·​trag·​a·​lus ə-ˈstra-gə-ləs How to pronounce astragalus (audio)
1
plural astragali ə-ˈstra-gə-ˌlī How to pronounce astragalus (audio)
-ˌlē
 : talus entry 2 sense 1
2
: the dried root of an Asian milk vetch (Astragalus membranaceus) used especially as a remedy in Chinese herbal medicine
also : a preparation or extract of this root

Examples of astragalus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The powerful organic chocolate is combined with several other antioxidants such as goji, longan and schisandra berries, astragalus and maca to boost energy and overall health through the winter months. — Anna Haines, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 This formula contains some herbal and less common ingredients like astragalus and chlorella. — Miranda Galati, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus including many species of milk vetch, borrowed from Greek astrágalos "neck vertebra, ball of the ankle joint, milk vetch (allegedly from the vertebrae-like appearance of the flower clusters)" — more at astragal

First Known Use

circa 1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of astragalus was circa 1541

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“Astragalus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astragalus. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

astragalus

noun
as·​trag·​a·​lus ə-ˈstrag-ə-ləs How to pronounce astragalus (audio)
plural astragali -ˌlī, -ˌlē How to pronounce astragalus (audio)
1
: one of the proximal bones of the tarsus of the higher vertebrates see talus sense 1
2
: the dried root of an Asian herb (Astragalus membranaceus synonym A. propinquus) used especially as an herbal remedy in traditional Chinese medicine
also : a preparation or extract of this root
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