scammony
[skam-uh-nee]
- a twining, Asian convolvulus, Convolvulus scammonia.
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Origin of scammony
before 1000; Middle English scamonie, Old English < Latin scamōnia < Greek skamōnía
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for scammony
Historical Examples
The lumbrici are destroyed by repeated doses of calomel and scammony.
Mrs. Hale's Receipts for the MillionSarah Josepha Hale
This is all ground up to form the scammony powder of the shops.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume IIArnold Cooley
Scammony is generally formed into an emulsion with milk; and resin of jalap, with almonds and water.
Various substances are often added to scammony while yet soft.
The Commercial Products of the Vegetable KingdomP. L. Simmonds
When in a state of purity, it does not form an emulsion with milk, like scammony resin, but runs into a solid mass.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume IIArnold Cooley
scammony
- a twining Asian convolvulus plant, Convolvulus scammonia, having arrow-shaped leaves, white or purple flowers, and tuberous roots
- a resinous juice obtained from the roots of this plant and having purgative properties
- any of various similar medicinal resins or the plants that yield them
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Word Origin
Old English, via Latin from Greek skammōnia, of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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