The Collaborative International Dictionary
ratany
Rhatany \Rhat"a*ny\, Rhatanhy \Rhat"an*hy\, n. [Sp. ratania, rata[~n]a, Peruv. rata[~n]a.] The powerfully astringent root of a half-shrubby Peruvian plant ( Krameria triandra). It is used in medicine and to color port wine. [Written also ratany.]
Savanilla rhatany, the root of Krameria Ixina, a native of New Granada.
Usage examples of "ratany".
Despite the ratany silt-break, several inches of pearly loess covered the walkways, and so much dust clung to the building placards that Agis could barely make out the pictures engraved on their surfaces.