Definition of "ephedra" [ephedra]

• Any of various gymnospermous, mostly shrubby plants of the genus Ephedra, some of which are used as a source of ephedrine. (noun)
• A stimulant, often sold as pills or tablets, derived from a plant of this genus. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "| Permalink does the diet pill asenlix contain ephedra"
• "Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, said the findings were the latest reminder that ephedra is dangerous and should be removed from store shelves."
• "While ephedra is banned by the NFL, the NCAA and the International Olympic Committee, use of the substance, which is available without prescription, is allowed in baseball."