guaiacum

[ gwahy-uh-kuhm ]

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.

guaiacum

/ 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 calledguaiacˈɡwaɪæk a brownish resin obtained from the lignum vitae, used medicinally and in making varnishes

Word History and Origins

Origin of guaiacum¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of guaiacum¹

C16: New Latin, from Spanish guayaco, of Taino origin

Example Sentences

It is found by experience to bee farre better and of more vses then the wood which is called Guaiacum, or Lignum vit.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

I saie the pox, as by experience we se there is no better remedy than sweatyng and the drinkyng of guaiacum, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

The same is the ease on the 31st and 32nd leaves, which treat of filthie and putrefied ulcers, guaiacum being again prescribed.

From Project Gutenberg

Here grow the jalap and the guaiacum, the sweet-scented sassafras and the sanitary copaiba.

From Project Gutenberg