sarsaparilla

Etymology

From Spanish zarzaparrilla. The first element may ultimately derive from Basque; see Spanish zarza (“blackberry bush”) for more.

noun

1. Any of various tropical (Central and South) American vines of the genus Smilax, such as Smilax aspera, which have fragrant roots.
2. The dried roots of these plants, or a flavoring material extracted from these roots.
3. A beverage (soft drink) flavored with this root, such as root beer.
   “[…]If Cassidy goes around shooting their fingers off, how are they going to lift their sarsaparilla?” “Rustlers don't drink sarsaparilla,” came the reply, ending the conversation and throwing me back inside my twenty-yard line. 1951, John Lardner, Strong Cigars and Lovely Women, page 4
   Many root teas taste delightful and the old American drink, sarsaparilla, was made on the lines of a decoction, while its pleasant taste was known by most of Victorian Britain. 1985, Jill Davies, A Garden of Miracles, page 52
   Say, friend, you got any more of that good sarsaparilla? 1998, Joel and Ethan Coen, The Big Lebowski (motion picture), spoken by The Stranger (Sam Elliott)
4. Any of several North American plants, of the genus Aralia, having umbels and small white flowers.