cohosh

/kəˈhɒʃ/

cohosh

English Noun

Definition

A perennial American herb (Caulophyllum thalictroides), the rough rootstock of which is used in medicine.

Etymology

From an Algonquian word meaning "rough", probably Eastern Abenaki / Penobscot *kkwὰhas. Compare Massachusett kushki (“(it is) rough”). Compare English cocash.