calamus

noun cal·a·mus \ˈka-lə-məs\

plural cal·a·mi\-ˌmī, -ˌmē\

Definition of CALAMUS

a : sweet flag

b : the aromatic peeled and dried rhizome of the sweet flag that is the source of a carcinogenic essential oil

: the hollow basal portion of a feather below the vane : quill

Latin, reed, reed pen, from Greek kalamos — more at haulm

First Known Use: 14th century

Medical Dictionary

noun cal·a·mus \ˈkal-ə-məs\

plural cal·a·mi \-ˌmī, -ˌmē\

: the aromatic peeled and dried rhizome of the sweet flag that is the source of a carcinogenic essential oil

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