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