sarsaparilla

plural sarsaparillas · alternative sarsparilla · alternative sasaparilla · alternative sasparilla

1. countableuncountableAny of various tropical (Central and South) American vines of the genus Smilax, such as Smilax aspera, which have fragrant roots.
2. countableuncountableDried roots of these plants, or a flavoring material extracted from these roots.
3. countableuncountableA beverage (soft drink) flavored with this root, such as root beer.

   Say, friend, you got any more of that good sarsaparilla?

   1998, Joel and Ethan Coen, The Big Lebowski (motion picture), spoken by The Stranger (Sam Elliott)

   2 more examples

   “[…]If Cassidy goes around shooting their fingers off, how are they going to lift their sarsaparilla?” “Rustlers don't drink sarsaparilla,” came the reply, ending the conversation and throwing me back inside my twenty-yard line.

   1951, John Lardner, Strong Cigars and Lovely Women, page 4

   Many root teas taste delightful and the old American drink, sarsaparilla, was made on the lines of a decoction, while its pleasant taste was known by most of Victorian Britain.

   1985, Jill Davies, A Garden of Miracles, →ISBN, page 52

4. countableuncountableAny of several North American plants, of the genus Aralia, having umbels and small white flowers.
5. countableuncountableAn American vine of species Nephroia diversifolia.