Dock (dŏk), n. [AS. docce; of uncertain origin; cf. G. docken-blätter, Gael. dogha burdock, OF. doque; perh. akin to L. daucus, daucum, Gr. �, �, a kind of parsnip or carrot, used in medicine. Cf. Burdock.] (Bot.) A genus of plants (Rumex), some species of which are well-known weeds which have a long taproot and are difficult of extermination.
☞ Yellow dock is Rumex crispus, with smooth curly leaves and yellow root, which that of other species is used medicinally as an astringent and tonic.