lignum vitae

noun

lig·num vi·tae | \ ˌlig-nəm-ˈvī-tē

plural lignum vitaes

Definition of lignum vitae

1 : the very hard heavy wood of any of several tropical American guaiacums

2 : a tree yielding lignum vitae

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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.

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The first known use of lignum vitae was in 1594

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lignum vitae

noun

lig·num vi·tae | \ ˌlig-nəm-ˈvīt-ē

plural lignum vitaes

Medical Definition of lignum vitae

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