What does "sassafras" mean?

Sassafras: An American tree of the Laurel family (Sassafras officinale); also, the bark of the roots, which has an aromatic smell and taste. Australian sassafras, a lofty tree (Doryophora Sassafras) with aromatic bark and leaves. -- Chilian sassafras, an aromatic tree (Laurelia sempervirens). -- New Zealand sassafras, a similar tree (Laurelia Novæ Zelandiæ). -- Sassafras nut. See Pichurim bean. -- Swamp sassafras, the sweet bay (Magnolia glauca). See Magnolia.