1. (noun)rauwolfia any of several alkaloids extracted from the shrub Rauwolfia serpentina Synonyms: rauvolfia
2. (noun)rauwolfia, rauvolfia any shrub or small tree of the genus Rauwolfia having leaves in whorls and cymose flowers; yield substances used medicinally especially as emetics or purgatives or antihypertensives Synonyms: rauwolfia, rauvolfia