Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small evergreen tree: Refers to a specific tree species native to the southern United States and the West Indies.
   • A source of lignum vitae wood: This tree is known for producing a type of very hard, dense wood traditionally called lignum vitae.

Usage Notes

• "Bastard lignum vitae" is a compound noun that serves as the common name for the tree species . It is used in botanical, forestry, and woodworking contexts.
• The term "bastard" in this compound name indicates it is a different, though related, species from the "true" lignum vitae tree (). Both species produce very hard wood.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The dense wood of the bastard lignum vitae is used for making mallet heads and bearings.
  • Conservation efforts are important as the bastard lignum vitae tree grows slowly.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used as a technical/common name in specific fields. It is not typically used in figurative or idiomatic expressions.

Variants and Related Words

• Lignum vitae (n): The wood from trees of the genus , or the trees themselves, known for its extreme density and durability.
• Guaiacum sanctum (n): The scientific botanical name for the bastard lignum vitae tree.

Synonyms

• Holywood lignum vitae: Another common name for the same tree species ().

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning is fixed as the name of a specific tree. It does not have multiple unrelated meanings.
• The word "bastard" here is a historical botanical term meaning "spurious" or "of a different kind," and does not carry its modern colloquial meaning.

Noun

1. small evergreen tree of the southern United States and West Indies a source of lignum vitae wood