<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>either of two North American plants, <em>Aletris farinosa</em> or <em>A. aurea</em>, of the lily family, having small yellow or white flowers in a spikelike cluster and a root reputed to relieve colic.</li><li>any of certain other plants having roots reputed to cure colic.</li><li>the blazing star, <em>Liatris squarrosa</em>.</li></ul>