nux vomica

[ nuhks-vom-i-kuh ]

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.

Origin of nux vomica

1
1570–80; <New Latin: literally, vomiting nut

Words Nearby nux vomica

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British Dictionary definitions for nux vomica

nux vomica

/ (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

  1. a medicine manufactured from the seeds of this tree, formerly used as a heart stimulant

Origin of nux vomica

1
C16: from Medieval Latin: vomiting nut

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