nux vomica

American  

[nuhks vom-i-kuh] / ˈnʌks ˈvɒm ɪ kə /

noun

1. the seed of the orangelike fruit of an East Indian tree, Strychnos nux-vomica, of the logania family, containing strychnine, used in medicine.

2. the tree itself; strychnine.

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nux vomica British  

/ ˈnʌks ˈvɒmɪkə /

noun

1. an Indian spiny loganiaceous tree, Strychnos nux-vomica, with orange-red berries containing poisonous seeds

2. any of the seeds of this tree, which contain strychnine and other poisonous alkaloids

3. a medicine manufactured from the seeds of this tree, formerly used as a heart stimulant

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Etymology

Origin of nux vomica

1570–80; < New Latin: literally, vomiting nut

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nux vomica

This bitter, crystalline product of nux vomica is used as a tonic, stimulant and antidote in medicine.

From Time Magazine Archive

It had a dose of nux vomica strong enough to kill a horse.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

The proportion of both the alkaloids is greater than in the seeds of nux vomica which contain only .25–.50% strychnine and .12–.05% brucin, although some authors give it as high as 1.01%.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers

The constitutional measures will consist of tonics into which nux vomica enters.

From The Dog by Dinks

When speaking of the pill, the most important ingredient must not be forgotten—I mean nux vomica.

From The Dog by Dinks