cohosh

/kəˈhɒʃ/

Etymology

From an Algonquian word meaning rough, probably from Eastern Abenaki / Penobscot *kkwὰhas. Compare Massachusett kushki (“(it is) rough”). Compare English cocash.

noun

  1. A perennial American herb (Caulophyllum thalictroides), the rough rootstock of which is used in medicine.
  2. A smooth herb, Actaea racemosa, marketed for medicinal use.