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saxifrage

(Science: botany) Any plant of the genus saxifraga, mostly perennial herbs growing in crevices of rocks in mountainous regions. Burnet saxifrage, a European umbelliferous plant (Pimpinella Saxifraga). Golden saxifrage, a low half-sacculent herb (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium) growing in rivulets in Europe; also, C. Americanum, common in the united states. See also under Golden. Meadow saxifrage, or pepper saxifrage. See Meadow.

Origin: L. Saxifraga, from saxifragus stone-breaking; saxum rock _ frangere to break: cf. F. Saxifrage. See Fracture, and cf. Sassafras, Saxon.