LIGNUMVITAE

Lig"num-vi"tae, n. Etym: [L., wood of life; lignum wood + vita, genitive vitæ, life.] (Bot.)

Definition: A tree (Guaiacum officinale) found in the warm latitudes of America, from which the guaiacum of medicine is procured. Its wood is very hard and heavy, and is used for various mechanical purposes, as for the wheels of ships' blocks, cogs, bearings, and the like. See Guaiacum.

Note: In New Zealand the Metrosideros buxifolia is called lignum- vitæ, and in Australia a species of Acacia. The bastard lignum-vitæ is a West Indian tree (Sarcomphalus laurinus).

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

12 June 2025

RAREFACTION

(noun) a decrease in the density of something; “a sound wave causes periodic rarefactions in its medium”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

There are more than 50 countries that export coffee. They are near the equator, where the climate is conducive to producing coffee beans.

coffee icon