nux vomica

[nuhks vom-i-kuh]

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.

nux vomica

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nux vomica¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nux vomica¹

C16: from Medieval Latin: vomiting nut

Example Sentences

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

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Other products included belladonna and nux vomica, which contains strychnine — a well-known poison used to kill rodents.

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She carefully squeezed a few drops of clear liquid into the glass, a tincture of nux vomica.

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I lingered over a case of vintage pharmaceuticals that included a vial of something called nux vomica and another labeled “endocroids.”

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Iron tonics, cod liver oil, nux vomica, etc., may be given, and sometimes prove effectual.

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