What does "rhubarb" mean?

Rhubarb: The large and fleshy leafstalks of Rheum Rhaponticum and other species of the same genus. They are pleasantly acid, and are used in cookery. Called also pieplant.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Med.) The root of several species of Rheum, used much as a cathartic medicine. Monk's rhubarb. (Bot.) See under Monk. -- Turkey rhubarb (Med.), the roots of Rheum Emodi.

Sources