Lignum-vitae

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Lignum-vitae \Lig"num-vi"tae\ (l[i^]g"n[u^]m v[imac]"t[=e]), n.
     [L., wood of life; lignum wood + vita, genitive vit[ae],
     life.] (Bot.)
     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}.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: In New Zealand the {Metrosideros buxifolia} is called
           lignum-vit[ae], and in Australia a species of {Acacia}.
           The bastard lignum-vit[ae] is a West Indian tree
           ({Sarcomphalus laurinus}).
           [1913 Webster]