nux vomica

noun

nux vom·​i·​ca ˈnəks-ˈvä-mi-kə How to pronounce nux vomica (audio)
plural nux vomica
1
: the poisonous disk-shaped seed of a tree (Strychnos nux-vomica of the family Loganiaceae) of southern Asia that contains several alkaloids and especially strychnine and brucine
also : the tree yielding nux vomica
2
: a drug containing nux vomica

Examples of nux vomica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some were said to contain nux vomica, which the FDA noted contains strychnine, a potent poison used to kill rodents. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 16 June 2020 Regulators have issued five warning letters this year to companies selling products with nightshade or nux vomica. Matthew Perrone, chicagotribune.com, 18 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, emetic nut

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nux vomica was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near nux vomica

Cite this Entry

“Nux vomica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nux%20vomica. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

nux vomica

noun
nux vom·​i·​ca ˈnəks-ˈväm-i-kə How to pronounce nux vomica (audio)
plural nux vomica
1
: the poisonous seed of an Asian tree of the genus Strychnos (S. nux-vomica) that contains several alkaloids and especially strychnine and brucine
also : the tree yielding nux vomica
2
: a drug containing nux vomica
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