First Known Use: 1594
Dictionary
lignum vitae
noun 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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Origin of LIGNUM VITAE
New Latin, literally, wood of life
Rhymes with LIGNUM VITAE
Medical Dictionary
lignum vitae
noun lig·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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