What is "costusroot"

costusroot \costusroot\ n. an annual herb ( Saussurea costus) of the eastern Himalayas (Kashmir) having purple florets and a fragrant root that yields a volatile oil used in perfumery and for preserving furs.

Syn: Saussurea costus, Saussurea lappa.

n. annual herb of the eastern Himalayas (Kashmir) having purple florets and a fragrant root that yields a volatile oil used in perfumery and for preserving furs [syn: Saussurea costus, Saussurea lappa]