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

Minute instructions are given in old works as to the mode of administering guaiacum.

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

Herein is chiefly contained their medicinal virtues; and it appears that the acid spirit in tar water possesses the virtues, in an eminent degree, of that of guaiacum, and other medicinal woods.

From The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, Adapted to the Use of Private Families by Eaton, Mary, fl. 1823-1849

Of nouns in um, some have no need of the plural; as, bdellium, decorum, elysium, equilibrium, guaiacum, laudanum, odium, opium, petroleum, serum, viaticum.

From The Grammar of English Grammars by Brown, Goold

For phlegmatic constitutions nothing can be better than the decoction of guaiacum wood with a little disclaim, taken fasting in the morning, for twelve days consecutively, without producing sweating.

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

They were of different name and standing, and though held in less estimation, such valuable additions to the pharmacopœia as guaiacum, cinchona, and ipecacuanha, were learned from them.

From The Myths of the New World A Treatise on the Symbolism and Mythology of the Red Race of America by Brinton, Daniel Garrison