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

Calumet is an Old Norman word for chalumeau, reed, pipe, a diminutive from Lat. calamus.

From The Romance of Words (4th ed.) by Weekley, Ernest

These feathers are specially interesting, inasmuch as they retain throughout life a stage corresponding to that seen in the very young cassowary, the calamus being greatly swollen, and supporting a very degenerate rhachis and vane.

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

I done laid in some calamus root, en I ain’t gwineter take no skuse,’ sez Brer Fox, sezee.”

From Southern Literature From 1579-1895 A comprehensive review, with copious extracts and criticisms for the use of schools and the general reader by Manly, Louise

Herophilus made many anatomical discoveries, and some of the names he gave to parts of the body are now in use, for instance, torcular Herophili, calamus scriptorius, and duodenum.

From Outlines of Greek and Roman Medicine by Elliott, James Sands

Related Words

• fringe
• plume