guaiacum
Americannoun
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any of several tropical American trees or shrubs belonging to the genus Guaiacum of the caltrop family; lignum vitae.
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the hard, heavy wood of such a tree; guaiac.
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resin obtained from such a tree; guaiac.
noun
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any tropical American evergreen tree of the zygophyllaceous genus Guaiacum, such as the lignum vitae
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the hard heavy wood of any of these trees
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Also called: guaiac. a brownish resin obtained from the lignum vitae, used medicinally and in making varnishes
Etymology
Origin of guaiacum
First recorded in 1525–35; from New Latin, from Spanish guayaco, guayacán, from Taíno
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
To produce sweating, employ cardus water, and mithridate, or a decoction of guaiacum and sarsaparilla.
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
The physician of the castle had prescribed constant doses of guaiacum taken in coffee.
From Amenities of Literature Consisting of Sketches and Characters of English Literature by Isaac Disraeli
The mammee, guaiacum, and copal, besides other trees and shrubs valuable for their gum, flourish in all parts of the island.
From The Greater Republic A History of the United States by Charles Morris
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
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