guaco

[ gwah-koh ]

noun

, plural gua·cos.

1. a climbing composite plant, Mikania guaco, of tropical America.
2. its leaves, or a substance obtained from them, sometimes used locally as an antidote for snakebites.

guaco

/ ˈɡwɑːkəʊ /

noun

1. any of several tropical American plants whose leaves are used as an antidote to snakebite, esp the climbers Mikania guaco, family Asteraceae (composites), or Aristolochia maxima ( A. serpentina ), family Aristolochiaceae
2. the leaves of any of these plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of guaco¹

First recorded in 1815–25; from Latin American Spanish

Word History and Origins

Origin of guaco¹

C19: from American Spanish

Example Sentences

Infusum guaco, L. From the bruised leaves and stems of guaco or huaco (Mikania guaco).

From Project Gutenberg

It is often fancifully painted with colored earths and the juice of a plant called guaco, which brightens by burning.

From Project Gutenberg

"Guaco" and "huaco" are the same word, the intensity of the aspirate varying among different peoples.

From Project Gutenberg

A preparation of the guaco plant is highly esteemed on the Spanish main as an antidote against bites of snakes of all kinds.

From Project Gutenberg

But the polygala is quite inodorous, while the guaco gives forth a strong aromatic smell, resembling valerian.

From Project Gutenberg