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

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