Crossword clues for euphorbium
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Euphorbium \Eu*phor"bi*um\, n. [NL., fr. L. euphorbeum, from Gr. ?; -- so called after Euphorbus, a Greek physician.] (Med.) An inodorous exudation, usually in the form of yellow tears, produced chiefly by the African Euphorbia resinifera. It was formerly employed medicinally, but was found so violent in its effects that its use is nearly abandoned.
Wiktionary
n. An acrid dull yellow or brown resin consisting of the concreted milky juice of several species of ''Euphorbia'', formerly used as a purgative and emetic.
WordNet
n. an acrid brown gum resin now used mainly in veterinary medicine [syn: gum eurphorbium]
Wikipedia
Euphorbium, an acrid dull-yellow or brown resin, consisting of the concreted milky juice of several species of Euphorbia, cactus-like perennial plants indigenous to Morocco. It dissolves in alcohol, ether and turpentine; in water it is only slightly soluble. It consists of two or more resins and a substance euphorbone, C20H360 or C~5HI4O. Pliny the Elder states that the name of the drug was given to it in honor of Euphorbus, the physician of Juba II, king of Mauretania. In former times euphorbium was valued in medicine for its drastic, purgative and emetic properties.
Usage examples of "euphorbium".
They were clad in brilliantly-painted cloths, and the soldiers were armed with the saw-toothed war-club, the bow and arrows barbed and poisoned with the juice of the euphorbium, the cutlass, the "sima," a long sabre (also with saw-like teeth), and some small battle-axes.