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

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

As an alterative and deobstruent, it has been found useful in leprosy and itch, when combined with antimonials and guaiacum, and in enlargement of the liver and glandular affections.

From Enquire Within Upon Everything The Great Victorian Domestic Standby by Anonymous

Or boil a pound of the fine raspings of guaiacum, with six gallons of sweetwort, till reduced to five; and when it is set to work, put in the above ingredients.

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

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

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