Definition of "ginseng"

ginseng

/ˈd͡ʒɪnsɛŋ/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural ginsengs
1. Any plant of two species of the genus Panax (Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius), having forked roots supposed to have medicinal and aphrodisiac properties.
2. The root of such a plant, or an extract of these roots.
  Quotations
  When the Afghan princes find it necessary to employ Chob-Chini, (the Jin-seng, or China root so celebrated as a purifier, tonic, and aphrodisiac) they choose the spring season.
  1855, Sir Richard Burton, Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah, Dover, published 1964, pages 56–7
  Athletes' use of herbal supplements has skyrocketed in the past two decades. At the top of the list of popular herbs are echinacea and ginseng, whereas garlic, St. John's wort, soybean, ephedra and others are also surging in popularity or have been historically prevalent.
  2013 March, David S. Senchina, “Athletics and Herbal Supplements”, in American Scientist‎, volume 101, number 2, archived from the original on 16 May 2013, page 134