corydalis

noun

co·​ryd·​a·​lis kə-ˈri-də-ləs 

: any of a large genus (Corydalis) of chiefly temperate herbs of the fumitory family with racemose irregular flowers and dissected leaves

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek korydallis crested lark (Galerida cristata), from korydos crested lark

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

corydalis

noun

co·​ryd·​a·​lis kə-ˈrid-ᵊl-əs 

1

a

capitalized : a large genus of herbs (family Fumariaceae) that are native to southern Africa and temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and have a several-seeded capsular fruit see bulbocapnine, cryptopine

b

: any plant of the genus Corydalis

2

: the dried tubers of squirrel corn and Dutchman's-breeches containing the alkaloid bulbocapnine and formerly used as a tonic