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lignum vitae

noun lig·num vi·tae \ ˌlig-nəm-ˈvī-tē \

Definition of lignum vitae

plural lignum vitaes
1 :the very hard heavy wood of any of several tropical American guaiacums
2 :a tree yielding lignum vitae

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Origin and Etymology of lignum vitae

New Latin, literally, wood of life

Medical Dictionary

lignum vitae

noun lig·num vi·tae \ ˌlig-nəm-ˈvīt-ē \

medical Definition of lignum vitae

plural lignum vitaes
1 :any of several tropical American trees of the genus Guaiacum with very hard heavy wood; especially :either of two (G. officinale or G. sanctum) that are sources of guaiacum resin
2 :the wood of a lignum vitae

Learn More about lignum vitae

  1. See words that rhyme with lignum vitae Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lignum vitae

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