ephedra: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Botanical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “ephedra” mean?
a genus of low, leafless shrubs of the family Ephedraceae.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a genus of low, leafless shrubs of the family Ephedraceae.
The dried plant material, especially from Ephedra sinica, used medicinally as a source of ephedrine and other alkaloids.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; the word is used identically in scientific and regulatory contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, strong connotations with herbal medicine, dietary supplements, and debates over safety and regulation due to ephedrine's stimulant effects.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general language but appears in specialised botanical, pharmacological, and sports-related discussions in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “ephedra” in a Sentence
N of N (extract of ephedra)N + supplement/productN + is regulated/bannedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ephedra” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The ephedra content was analysed.
- Ephedra-based products were withdrawn.
American English
- The ephedra content was analyzed.
- Ephedra-containing supplements require warning labels.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the context of the dietary supplement industry and its regulation.
Academic
In botany, pharmacology, ethnobotany, and sports science journals.
Everyday
Rarely used; might appear in discussions of herbal remedies or banned sports substances.
Technical
Standard term in botanical classification and pharmacognosy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ephedra”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ephedra”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ephedra”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈɛfɪdrə/ (incorrect stress).
- Using 'ephedra' to mean the purified drug 'ephedrine'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Ephedra is the plant genus. Ephedrine is one of the active alkaloid chemicals extracted from some species of this plant.
Because ephedrine, derived from ephedra, is a potent stimulant linked to serious cardiovascular side effects, leading to bans or restrictions on its use in dietary supplements in many countries.
Yes, 'ephedras' can refer to multiple plants or species of the genus, though in technical contexts, 'Ephedra species' or 'plants of the genus Ephedra' are more common.
Laws vary. In the US, the FDA has banned dietary supplements containing ephedra alkaloids. The raw plant material may have different regulations, and its use in traditional medicine may be permitted in other contexts globally.
a genus of low, leafless shrubs of the family Ephedraceae.
Ephedra is usually technical/botanical/medical in register.
Ephedra: in British English it is pronounced /ɪˈfɛdrə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪˈfɛdrə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"EPHEDRA has EPHEDrine, it's the source we all have seen."
Conceptual Metaphor
A SOURCE (of a powerful substance).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'ephedra' most precisely used?