tragacanth
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.
Origin of tragacanth
1- Also called gum tragacanth.
Words Nearby tragacanth
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use tragacanth in a sentence
Further examination indicated the presence of salicylic acid, a gummy material, having the properties of tragacanth and glycerin.
It is not well in most cases to fasten the shells on card, but if this is done gum tragacanth is best.
Our British Snails | John William HorsleyIn such cases a little spirits of camphor mixed with the gum tragacanth is best.
Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects | C. V. RileyA shallow trough is filled with a solution of gum hog or gum tragacanth of the consistency of thick cream.
The Building of a Book | VariousThe following is a good one: Make a paste of gum tragacanth and add a little oil of wintergreen.
Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians | William K. David
British Dictionary definitions for tragacanth
/ (ˈtræɡəˌkænθ) /
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
the gum obtained from any of these plants, used in the manufacture of pills and lozenges, etc
Origin of tragacanth
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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