physic nut

noun

1. an ornamental, tropical American tree, Jatropha curcas, of the spurge family, having ivylike leaves, small, yellow or greenish-yellow flowers, and olive-shaped fruit yielding a purgative, poisonous oil.
2. the fruit itself.

Word History and Origins

Origin of physic nut¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Of considerable importance is the physic-nut (Jatropha curcas), which is exported.

From Project Gutenberg

Physic Nut, jatropha curcas, belongs to the same order and class as the cassada, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

The French Physic Nut, jatropha multifida, is another species of this tribe.

From Project Gutenberg