sarsaparilla
UK[ˌsɑːsəpəˈrɪlə]US[ˌsærsəpəˈrɪlə]
n
a sweetened carbonated drink flavored with the root of a tropical american plant or an artificial substitute.
n
a tropical american climbing plant of the smilax genus, whose dried roots are used to flavor the drink and were formerly used in medicine.
Etymology
the word 'sarsaparilla' entered english in the 16th century from spanish 'zarzaparrilla'. the spanish term itself is a compound of 'zarza' (meaning "bramble") and 'parrilla' (a diminutive of 'parra', meaning "vine"). thus, the name literally describes a "small bramble vine," accurately reflecting the plant's climbing, thorny nature. this botanical term was borrowed directly into english to refer first to the medicinal plant and later to the popular beverage made from its root. the journey from a descriptive spanish plant name to an english word for both a plant and a iconic soft drink exemplifies the direct borrowing of complex terms for new cultural and commercial concepts.
Analysis
the word is a loanword from spanish, adopted as a single, unanalyzable unit in english. its components are not productive morphemes within the english language system.
Examples
he ordered an old-fashioned sarsaparilla at the vintage soda fountain.
the herbalist recommended a decoction of sarsaparilla root for its purported cleansing properties.
many root beer brands originally used sarsaparilla as a primary flavoring ingredient.