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.
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
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
It cannot be stopped by bleeding, or sweating, or purging, by niter, by tartar emetic, by guaiacum, by alkalies, by salines, by salicylic acid, or by anything else.
From Scientific American Supplement, No. 299, September 24, 1881 by Various
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
Compound powder of ipecacuanha, ten grains; powdered guaiacum, four grains: in a powder at bedtime.
From Enquire Within Upon Everything The Great Victorian Domestic Standby by Anonymous
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
