n. 1. A tree (Strychnos nux-vomica) native to South and Southeast Asia, having poisonous seeds that are a source of the alkaloids strychnine and brucine. 2. The seeds of this tree or a preparation or extract made from them. [Medieval Latin : Latin nux, nut + Medieval Latin vomica, feminine of vomicus, emetic (from Latin vomere, to vomit; see wemə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] |
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