guaiacum

American  

[gwahy-uh-kuhm] / ˈgwaɪ ə kəm /

noun

1. any of several tropical American trees or shrubs belonging to the genus Guaiacum of the caltrop family; lignum vitae.

2. the hard, heavy wood of such a tree; guaiac.

3. resin obtained from such a tree; guaiac.

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guaiacum British  

/ ˈɡwaɪəkəm /

noun

1. any tropical American evergreen tree of the zygophyllaceous genus Guaiacum, such as the lignum vitae

2. the hard heavy wood of any of these trees

3. Also called: guaiac.  a brownish resin obtained from the lignum vitae, used medicinally and in making varnishes

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Etymology

Origin of guaiacum

First recorded in 1525–35; from New Latin, from Spanish guayaco, guayacán, from Taíno

Example Sentences

To produce sweating, employ cardus water, and mithridate, or a decoction of guaiacum and sarsaparilla.

From The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher Containing his Complete Masterpiece and Family Physician; his Experienced Midwife, his Book of Problems and his Remarks on Physiognomy by Aristotle

Both in this disease and in other forms of chronic arthritis guaiacum may be given in combination with iodides, which it often enables the patient to tolerate.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 6 "Groups, Theory of" to "Gwyniad" by Various

More benefit, however, appears to be derived from potassium iodide, guaiacum, the alkalis potash and lithia, and from the administration of aspirin and sodium salicylate.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 3 "Gordon, Lord George" to "Grasses" by Various

A decoction of 1 ℔ of guaiacum was held to be sufficient for the four first days of the treatment.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 6 "Groups, Theory of" to "Gwyniad" by Various

Copal, mastic, guaiacum, and colophony or pine resin, are some of them.

From The Gutenberg Webster's Unabridged Dictionary Section R by Project Gutenberg