bonduc

[ bon-duhk ]

noun

1. a semitropical tree, Caesalpinia bonducella, of the legume family, the decorative seeds of which are used for jewelry and rosaries.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonduc¹

Probably earlier than 1940–45; < French < Arabic bunduq hazelnut ≪ Greek Pontikòn ( káryon ) hazelnut, literally, Pontic nut

Example Sentences

Cæsalpinia bonduc.—A tropical plant, bearing the seeds known as nicker nuts, or bonduc nuts.

From Project Gutenberg

The most conspicuous plant is the prickly Guilandina bonduc, the long briar-like trailing and climbing shoots of which impede one while traversing the thickets.

From Project Gutenberg

On the shores of the Hebrides, we collect seeds of Mimosa scandens, of Dolichos urens, of Guilandina bonduc, and several other plants of Jamaica, the isle of Cuba, and of the neighbouring continent.

From Project Gutenberg