n. (ē̍*rĭn"jĭ*Ŭm)
[NL., fr. Gr. 'hry`ggion, dim. of 'h`ryggos eryngo; cf. L. eryngion, erynge.]
(Bot.) A large genus of umbelliferous plants somewhat like thistles in appearance, cosmopolitan in distribution. Eryngium maritimum, or sea holly, has been highly esteemed as an aphrodisiac, the roots being formerly candied.
Syn. -- genus Eryngium.
