calamus

cal·a·mus

noun \ˈka-lə-məs\

plural cal·a·mi\-ˌmī, -ˌmē\

Definition of CALAMUS

1

a : sweet flag b : the aromatic peeled and dried rhizome of the sweet flag that is the source of a carcinogenic essential oil

2

: the hollow basal portion of a feather below the vane : quill

Origin of CALAMUS

Latin, reed, reed pen, from Greek kalamos — more at haulm

First Known Use: 14th century