1. Plural of ephedra; shrubby plants of the genus Ephedra, native to arid regions, with jointed green stems and small leaves.
Usage: botanical term; commonly used in plural form
2. Plural of ephedra; alkaloid compounds (such as ephedrine) extracted from ephedra plants, formerly used in decongestants and weight-loss supplements.
Usage: pharmaceutical/chemical context; many ephedra products were banned or restricted in various countries due to health concerns

Examples

• The desert landscape was dotted with low-growing ephedras adapted to harsh, dry conditions.
• Ephedras have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
• The FDA restricted the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedras due to safety concerns.
• Botanists studied the unique jointed stems of various ephedras species.
• Some athletes were drawn to ephedras-based products for their stimulant effects before regulations tightened.
• The ephedras in the botanical garden thrived in the arid greenhouse section.