nux vomica

noun

nux vom·​i·​ca ˈnəks-ˈvä-mi-kə 

plural nux vomica

1

: the poisonous disk-shaped seed of a tree (Strychnos nux-vomica of the family Loganiaceae) of southern Asia that contains several alkaloids and especially strychnine and brucine

also : the tree yielding nux vomica

2

: a drug containing nux vomica

Examples of nux vomica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some were said to contain nux vomica, which the FDA noted contains strychnine, a potent poison used to kill rodents. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 16 June 2020

Regulators have issued five warning letters this year to companies selling products with nightshade or nux vomica. — Matthew Perrone, chicagotribune.com, 18 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, emetic nut

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

nux vomica

noun

nux vom·​i·​ca ˈnəks-ˈväm-i-kə 

plural nux vomica

1

: the poisonous seed of an Asian tree of the genus Strychnos (S. nux-vomica) that contains several alkaloids and especially strychnine and brucine

also : the tree yielding nux vomica

2

: a drug containing nux vomica