winter's bark

noun

often capitalized W

1

: an aromatic bark with tonic and stimulant properties

2

: an evergreen tree (Drimys winteri) found from Mexico southward throughout South America and yielding winter's bark and a light soft straight-grained brown wood that somewhat resembles and is used similarly to basswood

Word History

Etymology

after John Wynter (or Winter), 16th century British naval officer

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