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Definition of ginseng

ginseng

/ˈdʒɪn.sɛŋ/
gin · seng

Plural:ginsengs
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ginseng Lexical Profile

ginseng Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The fleshy, often distinctly forked root of the ginseng plant, widely utilized in traditional medicine and dietary supplements for its reputed adaptogenic and stimulant properties.

Example

"She brewed a cup of green tea infused with ginseng and honey to boost her energy levels during the long shift."


2

A slow-growing perennial plant of the genus Panax, native to cooler climates in eastern Asia and North America, characterized by compound leaves and small greenish flowers.

Example

"Conservationists are working to protect wild American ginseng from illegal harvesting in the Appalachian mountains."

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Chinese word 'rénshēn' (via Hokkien 'jîn-sim'), where 'rén' means 'man' and 'shēn' means 'plant root', referring to the characteristic forked shape of the root which resembles human legs.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ginseng. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ginseng
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