guaiac

[ gwahy-ak ]

noun

1. Also called guai·a·cum gum [gwahy, -, uh, -k, uh, m , guhm];. a greenish-brown resin obtained from the guaiacum tree, especially from Guaiacum officinale, used in varnishes, as a food preservative, and in medicine in various tests for the presence of blood.
2. guaiacum ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of guaiac¹

First recorded in 1550–60; guaiacum

Example Sentences

The latter includes guaiac tests and what some doctors call hemoccult.

From Forbes

The real magic is in the base, though: a resinous layering of oud, amber, myrrh, vanilla, guaiac, sandalwood and musk.

From Forbes

However, a quart bottle of liver-tonic—turkey rhubarb, gum guaiac, and aloes, steeped in Holland gin.

From Project Gutenberg

Take pulverized gum guaiac and allspice, of each four ounces; bloodroot, pulverized, two ounces; pearlash, one ounce; fourth proof brandy, one quart.

From Project Gutenberg

The principal constituent of the oil is guaiac alcohol, or gusiol.

From Project Gutenberg