guaiac

[ gwahy-ak ]

noun

1. Also called guai·a·cum gum [gwahy, -, uh, -k, uh, m , guhm];. a greenish-brown resin obtained from the guaiacum tree, especially from Guaiacum officinale, used in varnishes, as a food preservative, and in medicine in various tests for the presence of blood.
2. guaiacum ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of guaiac¹

First recorded in 1550–60; guaiacum

Example Sentences

Tincture of guaiac, diluted to a light sherry-wine color (keep in a dark-glass bottle).

From Project Gutenberg

Take macrotin and pulverized gum guaiac, of each one dram; podophyllin, ten grains.

From Project Gutenberg

Take jalap, colchicum seeds, and gum guaiac, of each one dram.

From Project Gutenberg

Guaiac wood oil, distilled from the wood of Bulnesia sarmienti.

From Project Gutenberg

The principal constituent of the oil is guaiac alcohol, or gusiol.

From Project Gutenberg