vomica

American  

[vom-i-kuh] / ˈvɒm ɪ kə /

noun

Pathology.

plural

vomicae

1. a cavity, usually in the lungs, containing pus.

2. the pus content of such a cavity.

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Etymology

Origin of vomica

1565–75; < Latin: a boil, ulcer, equivalent to vom ( ere ) to discharge ( vomit ) + -ica, feminine of -icus -ic

Example Sentences

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

From Time Magazine Archive

Nux vomica paralyzed the chest muscles; he fed his patients tiny doses to check asthma.

From Time Magazine Archive

Nux vomica, rags, shavings, old paper, rope ends, old sausage casings and bladders, skeletons and false teeth.

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

Nux vomica, even, must be used in very minute doses, to be entirely safe—from a quarter of a grain to a small pup, to two grains to the largest animal.

From The Dog by Dinks