tragacanth

[ trag-uh-kanth, traj- ]

noun

1. a gummy substance derived from various low, spiny, Asian shrubs belonging to the genus Astragalus, of the legume family, especially A. gummifer: used to impart firmness to pills and lozenges, stiffen calicoes, etc.

tragacanth

/ ˈtræɡəˌkænθ /

noun

1. any of various spiny leguminous plants of the genus Astragalus , esp A. gummifer , of Asia, having clusters of white, yellow, or purple flowers, and yielding a substance that is made into a gum
2. the gum obtained from any of these plants, used in the manufacture of pills and lozenges, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of tragacanth¹

1565–75; < Latin tragacantha goat's thorn < Greek tragákantha, equivalent to trág ( os ) goat + ákantha thorn. tragedy, acantho-

Word History and Origins

Origin of tragacanth¹

C16: from French tragacante , from Latin tragacantha goat's thorn, from Greek tragakantha , from tragos goat + akantha thorn

Example Sentences

Further examination indicated the presence of salicylic acid, a gummy material, having the properties of tragacanth and glycerin.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not well in most cases to fasten the shells on card, but if this is done gum tragacanth is best.

From Project Gutenberg

In such cases a little spirits of camphor mixed with the gum tragacanth is best.

From Project Gutenberg

A shallow trough is filled with a solution of gum hog or gum tragacanth of the consistency of thick cream.

From Project Gutenberg

The following is a good one: Make a paste of gum tragacanth and add a little oil of wintergreen.

From Project Gutenberg