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

See Examples For:

nux vomica

This bitter, crystalline product of nux vomica is used as a tonic, stimulant and antidote in medicine.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

No. 2.—Tincture of nux vomica, one dram; syrup iodide of iron, one ounce; simple syrup, four ounces.

From The Ladies Book of Useful Information Compiled from many sources by Anonymous

Tonics, such as arsenic, quinia, nux vomica, and cod-liver oil; conjointly with the local employment of stimulating, oily or fatty applications, friction, and electricity.

From Essentials of Diseases of the Skin Including the Syphilodermata Arranged in the Form of Questions and Answers Prepared Especially for Students of Medicine by Stelwagon, Henry Weightman

A return to health will also be promoted by the judicious use of tonics, such as iron, quinia, Huxham's tincture, tincture of nux vomica, the mineral acids, and even cod-liver oil in some cases.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various