calamus
[ kal-uh-muhs ]
/ ˈkæl ə məs /
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noun, plural cal·a·mi [kal-uh-mahy]. /ˈkæl əˌmaɪ/.
the sweet flag, Acorus calamus.
its aromatic root.
any of various tropical Asian palms of the genus Calamus, some of which are a source of rattan.
the hollow base of a feather; a quill.
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Origin of calamus
1350–1400; Middle English <Latin <Greek kálamos reed, stalk
Words nearby calamus
calamite, calamitous, calamity, Calamity Jane, calamondin, calamus, calamus scriptorius, Calan, calando, calandria, calanthe
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for calamus
calamus
/ (ˈkæləməs) /
noun plural -mi (-ˌmaɪ)
any tropical Asian palm of the genus Calamus, some species of which are a source of rattan and canes
another name for sweet flag
the aromatic root of the sweet flag
ornithol the basal hollow shaft of a feather; quill
Word Origin for calamus
C14: from Latin, from Greek kalamos reed, cane, stem
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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