lignum vitae

English

Etymology

From Latin lignum (“wood”) vitae (“of life”).

Noun

lignum vitae (countable and uncountable, plural lignum vitaes)

  1. (countable) guaiacum trees, of species Guaiacum officinale and Guaiacum sanctum.
  2. (uncountable) The wood or resin from such trees.
    • 1875 January 21, “Summary of News”, in North-China Herald and Supreme Court & Consular Gazette‎, volume XIV, number 402, Shanghai, →OCLC, page 47, column 2:
      The steamer Lee Yuen, when about 30 miles from Foochow, abreast of Fuhyan, on her passage from this port to Foochow, carried away the lignum vitæ bush in the stern tube. She was beached for one tide under the lee of Matsu Island, for temporary repairs, and then proceeded to Foochow, where she has gone into dock.

Synonyms
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References
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