<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>Either of two unrelated plants of the eastern U.S.:<ul><li><em>Cimicifuga racemosa</em> (black cohosh), or squawroot, of the buttercup family.</li><li><em>Caulophyllum thalictroides</em> (blue cohosh), or papoose-root, of the barberry family.</li></ul></li><li>Both used medicinally.</li></ul>