nux vomica
[ nuhks vom-i-kuh ]
/ ˈnʌks ˈvɒm ɪ kə /
noun
the seed of the orangelike fruit of an East Indian tree, Strychnos nux-vomica, of the logania family, containing strychnine, used in medicine.
the tree itself; strychnine.
Nearby words
- nutting, wallace,
- nutty,
- nutty as a fruitcake,
- nutwood,
- nuuk,
- nuxalk,
- nuyorican,
- nuyts land,
- nuzzle,
- nuée ardente
Origin of nux vomica
1570–80; < New Latin: literally, vomiting nut
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
nux vomica
/ (ˈnʌks ˈvɒmɪkə) /
noun
an Indian spiny loganiaceous tree, Strychnos nux-vomica, with orange-red berries containing poisonous seeds
any of the seeds of this tree, which contain strychnine and other poisonous alkaloids
a medicine manufactured from the seeds of this tree, formerly used as a heart stimulant
Word Origin for nux vomica
C16: from Medieval Latin: vomiting nut
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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