ephedra
UK[ɪˈfɛdrə]US[ɪˈfɛdrə]
n
a genus of low, leafless shrubs of the joint‑fir family, native to arid regions.
n
a plant of this genus, or a preparation from it, used as a stimulant and decongestant.
Morpheme Breakdown
ephedr
a
ephedr
sitting upon
a
noun suffix
Etymology
the word ephedra is a direct borrowing from latin, which itself took it from ancient greek. the greek term ἐφέδρα is a compound of ἐπί ('upon') and ἕδρα ('seat'), literally describing something that sits upon or is supported by something else. this was applied to the plant genus because many of its species appear to sit upon or cling to the ground or rocks in their arid habitats. the modern usage retains the botanical name, with the secondary meaning referring to medicinal extracts derived from these plants.
Analysis
Structure: ephedr (sitting upon) + a (noun suffix)
ephedr is from greek ἐφέδρα (ephedra), from ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon') and ἕδρα (hedra, meaning 'seat, base'). the 'a' is a latin/greek nominal suffix.
Examples
the dry hills were dotted with patches of ephedra.
some traditional remedies contain extracts of ephedra.
the use of ephedra in dietary supplements has been restricted due to safety concerns.