guaiacum

[ gwahy-uh-kuhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any of several tropical American trees or shrubs belonging to the genus Guaiacum of the caltrop family; lignum vitae.
the hard, heavy wood of such a tree; guaiac.
resin obtained from such a tree; guaiac.

guaiacum

/ ˈɡ�ɲ�ɪə��ə�� /

noun

any tropical American evergreen tree of the zygophyllaceous genus Guaiacum, such as the lignum vitae
the hard heavy wood of any of these trees
Also calledguaiacˈɡwaɪæk a brownish resin obtained from the lignum vitae, used medicinally and in making varnishes

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Word History and Origins

Origin of guaiacum¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from New Latin, from Spanish guayaco, guayacán, from �ղ�í�Դ�

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Word History and Origins

Origin of guaiacum¹

C16: New Latin, from Spanish guayaco, of Taino origin

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In the muscular pains, however, which torment the patient during convalescence, the ammoniated tincture of guaiacum was found of service.

From

Lignum Vitæ, guaiacum, or pack wood, as it is sometimes called, is another beautiful forest tree of Antigua.

From

Minute instructions are given in old works as to the mode of administering guaiacum.

From

More benefit, however, appears to be derived from potassium iodide, guaiacum, the alkalis potash and lithia, and from the administration of aspirin and sodium salicylate.

From

The physician of the castle had prescribed constant doses of guaiacum taken in coffee.

From

guaiacol Guaira

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