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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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More Definitions for lignum vitae
lignum vitae
nounlig·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
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Time Traveler for lignum vitae
The first known use of lignum vitae was in 1594
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