n 1  :  the aromatic root of a ginseng that is highly valued as a medicine in China though of value chiefly as a demulcent  2 a  :  a Chinese perennial herb (Panax schinseng of the family Araliaceae, the ginseng family) having 5-foliolate leaves, scarlet berries, and an aromatic root valued esp. locally as a medicine  b  :  any of several plants (esp. genus Panax) related to or used as substitutes for the Chinese ginseng : esp  :  a No. American woodland herb (P. quinquefolius) .
 
    
 
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