Rhu"barb (?), n. [F. rhubarbe, OF. rubarbe, rheubarbe, reubarbare, reobarbe, LL. rheubarbarum for rheum barbarum, Gr. &?;&?;&?; (and &?;&?;) rhubarb, from the river Rha (the Volga) on whose banks it grew. Originally, therefore, it was the barbarian plant from the Rha. Cf. Barbarous, Rhaponticine.] 1. (Bot.) The name of several large perennial herbs of the genus Rheum and order Polygonaceæ.

2. 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.

3. (Med.) The root of several species of Rheum, used much as a cathartic medicine.

Rhu"barb (?), n. [F. rhubarbe, OF. rubarbe, rheubarbe, reubarbare, reobarbe, LL. rheubarbarum for rheum barbarum, Gr. &?;&?;&?; (and &?;&?;) rhubarb, from the river Rha (the Volga) on whose banks it grew. Originally, therefore, it was the barbarian plant from the Rha. Cf. Barbarous, Rhaponticine.] 1. (Bot.) The name of several large perennial herbs of the genus Rheum and order Polygonaceæ.

2. 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.

3. (Med.) The root of several species of Rheum, used much as a cathartic medicine.

• Any plant of the genus Rheum, especially R. Rharbarbarum, having large leaves and long green or reddish acidis leafstalks, the stems are edible when cooked
  
• The dried rhizome and roots of R. Palmatum or R. Officinale, from China, used as a laxative and purgative
  
• On the British stage, reputedly the word mumbled repetitively by actors supposed to be talking together inaudibly
  
• An excited, angry exchange of words, especially at a sporting event
  
• Baseball brawl
       quotations
       *"Bonds, who had been watching the game on television earlier, sprung out of the dugout for an animated rhubarb." — The Columbian, September 15, 2003