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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

guaiacum

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

A resin, called gum guaiacum, exudes from the stem, and is otherwise obtained from the wood by artificial means.

From Catalogue of Economic Plants in the Collection of the U. S. Department of Agriculture by William Saunders

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

In the muscular pains, however, which torment the patient during convalescence, the ammoniated tincture of guaiacum was found of service.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

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

From The Rifle Rangers by Mayne Reid

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