asafetida

A gum resin, the inspissated exudate from the root of Ferula foetida (family Umbelliferae); used as a repellent against dogs, cats, and rabbits, and formerly used as an antispasmodic; in Asia, used as a condiment and flavoring agent.

Origin

[Pers. aza, mastic, + L. fetidus, fetid]