any of several climbing plants of the genus Aristolochia, esp A. clematitis of Europe, once believed to ease childbirth: family Aristolochiaceae
birthwort in American English
(ˈbɜrθˌwɜrt)
noun
1.
any of a genus (Aristolochia) of vines of the birthwort family with brownish or purplish S-shaped flowers: formerly supposed to be of help in childbirth
adjective
2.
designating a family (Aristolochiaceae, order Aristolochiales) of dicotyledonous plants, shrubs,and woody vines, including Dutchman's pipe