sarsaparillas

Noun

sarsaparilla (countable and uncountable, plural sarsaparillas)

1. Any of various tropical (Central and South) American vines of the genus Smilax, such as Smilax aspera, which have fragrant roots.
2. Dried roots of these plants, or a flavoring material extracted from these roots.
3. A beverage (soft drink) flavored with this root, such as root beer.
   • “[…]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
4. Any of several North American plants, of the genus Aralia, having umbels and small white flowers.
5. An American vine of species Nephroia diversifolia.