calamus

noun

cal·​a·​mus ˈka-lə-məs How to pronounce calamus (audio)
plural calami ˈka-lə-ˌmī How to pronounce calamus (audio)
-ˌmē
1
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

Examples of calamus 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.
Though the calamus was visible in the 1860s and included in drawings of the fossil at the time, wear on the specimen caused the feature to fade from view. Ryan Carney, National Geographic, 30 Sep. 2020

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near calamus

Cite this Entry

“Calamus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calamus. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

calamus

noun
cal·​a·​mus ˈkal-ə-məs How to pronounce calamus (audio)
plural calami -ˌmī, -ˌmē How to pronounce calamus (audio)
1
: a perennial marsh herb (Acorus calamus) native to Asia but introduced to Europe and North America that was used especially formerly as a flavoring agent and in alternative medicine but is now banned for these uses in several countries because of demonstrated carcinogenicity and toxicity in laboratory animals : sweet flag
2
: the aromatic peeled and dried rhizome of the calamus that is the source of a carcinogenic essential oil

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