nux vomica

[nuhks vom-i-kuh]

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.

Origin of nux vomica

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

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British Dictionary definitions for nux vomica

nux vomica

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012