nux vomica

[ nuhks -vom-i-kuh ]

/ ˈnʌks ˈvɒm ɪ kə /

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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.

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Origin of nux vomica

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

Words nearby nux vomica

nutwood, Nuuk, nu-value, N.U.W.W., Nuxalk, nux vomica, Nuyorican, Nuyts Land, nuzzle, NV, nvCJD

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use nux vomica in a sentence

The medicine for this affection is Nux vom., to be taken at night on retiring.
An Epitome of Homeopathic Healing Art|B. L. Hill
Later in the case, though Nux may palliate, it will not cure.
An Epitome of Homeopathic Healing Art|B. L. Hill
He had compounded an ounce of tincture of nux instead of a drachm!
The Funny Side of Physic|A. D. Crabtre
Erasmus, who knew More well, inscribed the Nux of Ovid to his son.
Haunted London|Walter Thornbury

Shall we give the glory to Rome, or to nux, to which he is constant.
The Letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume II|Elizabeth Barrett Browning

British Dictionary definitions for nux vomica

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