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

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

From Literature

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

From Washington Times

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

From Literature

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

From Washington Post

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

From Project Gutenberg