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rhu·barb  (rbärb′)
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Tweet n. 1. Any of several plants of the genus Rheum, especially R. rhabarbarum, having long edible green or reddish leafstalks that are usually cooked and sweetened. Also called pie plant. 2. A preparation made from the dried rhizomes and roots of any of several plants of the genus Rheum, especially R. palmatum or R. officinale of East Asia, used as a laxative. 3. Informal A quarrel, fight, or heated discussion. [Middle English rubarbe, from Old French, from Late Latin reubarbarum, probably alteration (influenced by Greek rhēon) of rhabarbarum : rha, rhubarb (from Greek rhā, of Iranian origin; akin to Middle Persian rēwās and Pashto rawāš) + Latin barbarum, neuter of barbarus, barbarian, foreign; see BARBAROUS.] |
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