guaiac

[gwahy-ak]

noun

1. Also called gum guaiac. Also called guaiacum gum. a greenish-brown resin obtained from the guaiacum tree, especially from Guaiacum officinale, used in varnishes, as a food preservative, and in medicine in various tests for the presence of blood.

2. guaiacum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of guaiac¹

First recorded in 1550–60; guaiacum

Example Sentences

The latter includes guaiac tests and what some doctors call hemoccult.

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The real magic is in the base, though: a resinous layering of oud, amber, myrrh, vanilla, guaiac, sandalwood and musk.

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However, a quart bottle of liver-tonic—turkey rhubarb, gum guaiac, and aloes, steeped in Holland gin.

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Take pulverized gum guaiac and allspice, of each four ounces; bloodroot, pulverized, two ounces; pearlash, one ounce; fourth proof brandy, one quart.

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The principal constituent of the oil is guaiac alcohol, or gusiol.

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