A. sativum (family Liliaceae), whose bulb contains up to 0.9% of volatile irritating oil with antiseptic action; has been used as a diaphoretic, diuretic, and expectorant. SYN: garlic. [L.]
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al·li·um 'al-ē-əm n
1) cap a genus of bulbous herbs (as an onion, garlic, or leek) of the lily family distinguished by a characteristic odor, sheathing, mostly basal leaves, and clusters of usu. white, blue, purple, pink, or red flowers
2 a) a plant of the genus Allium
b) the bulb of garlic formerly used in medicine esp. as an expectorant and rubefacient
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Al·li·um (alґe-əm) [L. “garlicâ€] a genus of flowering plants with bulbous stem bases, of the family Liliaceae. A. ceґpa is the onion and A. satiґvum is the garlic (q.v.).Medical dictionary. 2011.