calamus

American  

[kal-uh-muhs] / ˈkæl ə məs /

noun

plural

calami

1. the sweet flag, Acorus calamus.

2. its aromatic root.

3. any of various tropical Asian palms of the genus Calamus, some of which are a source of rattan.

4. the hollow base of a feather; a quill.

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calamus British  

/ ˈkæləməs /

noun

1. any tropical Asian palm of the genus Calamus, some species of which are a source of rattan and canes

2. another name for sweet flag

3. the aromatic root of the sweet flag

4. ornithol the basal hollow shaft of a feather; quill

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Etymology

Origin of calamus

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin < Greek kálamos reed, stalk

Example Sentences

In the garden grow "an orchard of pomegranates . . . spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense".

From The Guardian • Jan. 29, 2011

The central axis is divisible into two distinct parts,—a hollow, cylindrical, transparent calamus, or “quill,” the base of which is inserted into the skin, and a solid, quadrangular rhachis or “shaft” which supports the vane.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 2 "Fairbanks, Erastus" to "Fens" by Various

Spikenard an saffron, calamus an cinnamon, wud all trees of frankincense, myrrh, an allers, wud all de best of spices.

From Highways and Byways in Sussex by Griggs, Frederick Landseer Maur

Originally the calamus grew in a limited area and was difficult to obtain.

From Construction Work for Rural and Elementary Schools by McGaw, Virginia

These were calamus, bloodroot, snakeroot, slippery elm, tansy, and scores that I do not remember the names of.

From The Life of Mrs. Robert Louis Stevenson by Sanchez, Nellie Van de Grift

Related Words

• fringe
• plume