nux vomica

[ nuhks vom-i-kuh ]

noun

1. the seed of the orangelike fruit of an East Indian tree, Strychnos nux-vomica, of the logania family, containing strychnine, used in medicine.
2. the tree itself; strychnine.

nux vomica

/ ˈnʌks ˈvɒmɪkə /

noun

1. an Indian spiny loganiaceous tree, Strychnos nux-vomica, with orange-red berries containing poisonous seeds
2. any of the seeds of this tree, which contain strychnine and other poisonous alkaloids
3. a medicine manufactured from the seeds of this tree, formerly used as a heart stimulant

Word History and Origins

Origin of nux vomica¹

1570–80; < New Latin: literally, vomiting nut

Word History and Origins

Origin of nux vomica¹

C16: from Medieval Latin: vomiting nut

Example Sentences

An acid associated with strychnine in the St. Ignatius bean and in nux vomica.

From Project Gutenberg

Are such remedies as iron, quinine, nux vomica and cod-liver oil ever useful in psoriasis?

From Project Gutenberg

Salt had no effect in killing the frogs, and even nux vomica, which had cured another case of the same kind, was useless.

From Project Gutenberg

The indications for the use of this drug are the same as those for nux vomica, keeping in mind the difference in dose.

From Project Gutenberg

What you call an inebriate nowadays is not a victim to wine or whiskey, but to logwood and strychnine and nux vomica.

From Project Gutenberg