Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Eryngium

Eryngium (e*rin"ji*um) , noun

[New Latin, from Greek 'hry`ggion, dim. of 'h`ryggos eryngo; compare Latin eryngion, erynge.]

(Botany) 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.