in botany: A genus of the monodelphia order, belonging to the dioecia class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 11th order, Sarmentaceae. The male calyx is tetraphyllous; no corolla; the nectarium wheel-shaped; four stamina with their filaments grown together. The female calyx is monophyllous and ligulated roundish, or like a piece of garter a little roundish. There is no corolla; three styles, and a monosperrnous berry. There are two species, the pareira and caapeba, both natives of the warmest parts of America. The root of the second, applied externally, is said to be an antidote against the bites of venomous serpents. The plant being infused in water, quickly fills the liquor with a mucilaginous substance, which is as thick as jelly; whence the name of freezing-womb, by which this genus of plants has been distinguished by the Brazilians.