nux vomica
[ nuhks vom-i-kuh ]
/ ˈnʌks ˈvɒm ɪ kə /
noun
the seed of the orangelike fruit of an East Indian tree, Strychnos nux-vomica, of the logania family, containing strychnine, used in medicine.
the tree itself; strychnine.
Origin of nux vomica
1570–80; < New Latin: literally, vomiting nut
Words nearby nux vomica
nutting,
nutty,
nutty as a fruitcake,
nutwood,
nuuk,
nux vomica,
nuxalk,
nuyorican,
nuyts land,
nuzzle,
nuée ardente
British Dictionary definitions for nux vomica
nux vomica
/ (ˈnʌks ˈvɒmɪkə) /
noun
an Indian spiny loganiaceous tree, Strychnos nux-vomica, with orange-red berries containing poisonous seeds
any of the seeds of this tree, which contain strychnine and other poisonous alkaloids
a medicine manufactured from the seeds of this tree, formerly used as a heart stimulant
Word Origin for nux vomica
C16: from Medieval Latin: vomiting nut