lignum vitae

[ lig-nuhm vahy-tee, vee-tahy ]

noun

1. either of two tropical American trees, Guaiacum officinale or G. sanctum, of the caltrop family, having very hard, heavy wood.
2. the wood of such a tree, used for making pulley blocks, mallet heads, bearings, etc.
3. any of several other trees yielding a similar hard wood.

lignum vitae

/ ˈlɪɡnəm ˈvaɪtɪ /

noun

1. either of two zygophyllaceous tropical American trees, Guaiacum officinale or G. sanctum, having blue or purple flowers
2. the heavy resinous wood of either of these trees, which is used in machine bearings, casters, etc: formerly thought to have medicinal properties

Word History and Origins

Origin of lignum vitae¹

1585–95; < New Latin, Late Latin, name of the tree, literally, wood of life

Word History and Origins

Origin of lignum vitae¹

New Latin, from Late Latin, literally: wood of life

Example Sentences

The wood of those trees is as heavy or heavier than Brazil or Lignum vitae; and is in colour white.

From Project Gutenberg

The fixed valve face is of lignum vitae in a metal recess, and the revolving valve of gun-metal.

From Project Gutenberg

Their idea was that a mahogany or lignum vitae billy was too costly a weapon to be broken over a Negro's head.

From Project Gutenberg

Of the trees which have a wide range over the country, especially near the sea-coast, the lignum vitae is of great value.

From Project Gutenberg

The balls, which are made of some very hard wood, usually lignum vitae, may be of any size not exceeding 27 in.

From Project Gutenberg