(n)small genus of perennial herbs having rhizomes and palmate leaves and small solitary flowers; of northeastern United States and Japan, Syn.genus Hydrastis
n. (Chem.) An alkaloid, found in the rootstock of the golden seal (Hydrastis Canadensis), and extracted as a bitter, white, crystalline substance. It is used as a tonic and febrifuge. [ 1913 Webster ]