Rhat"a*ny, Rhat"an*hy (?), n. [Sp. ratania, ratana, Peruv. ratana.]

The powerfully astringent root of a half-shrubby Peruvian plant (Krameria triandra). It is used in medicine and to color port wine.

[Written also ratany.]

Savanilla rhatany, the root of Krameria Ixina, a native of New Granada.

 

© Webster 1913.