guaiac

American  

[gwahy-ak] / ˈgwaɪ æk /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of guaiac

First recorded in 1550–60; guaiacum

Example Sentences

Swift's President John Holmes said that lard treated with tiny amounts of gum guaiac was odorless, bland in flavor.

From Time Magazine Archive

Take jalap, colchicum seeds, and gum guaiac, of each one dram.

From The Ladies Book of Useful Information Compiled from many sources by Anonymous

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

From The Ladies Book of Useful Information Compiled from many sources by Anonymous

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

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by Simmons, W. H.

Take macrotin and pulverized gum guaiac, of each one dram; podophyllin, ten grains.

From The Ladies Book of Useful Information Compiled from many sources by Anonymous