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

Recent Examples of lignum vitae from the Web

The scents are created using native flowers — such as hibiscus, lignum vitae, elderflower — from St. Martin, Aruba, St. Thomas and other islands.

— kavita daswani, latimes.com, "So, you want to avoid holiday commercialism? These gifts give back to those in need," 3 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lignum vitae.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lignum vitae

New Latin, literally, wood of life

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1594

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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