Definition

Noun 1. A poisonous seed: The Calabar bean is the dark brown, highly poisonous seed of the Calabar-bean vine (Physostigma venenosum). 2. A source of compounds: It is the natural source of the alkaloid physostigmine. 3. A ritual object: Historically, it has been used in indigenous religious and judicial practices in West Africa.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Physostigmine is extracted from the Calabar bean.
  • The toxicology report indicated traces of Calabar bean alkaloids.
  • Anthropologists studied the traditional use of the Calabar bean in ordeal trials.

Advanced Usage

• In historical/ anthropological context: Refers to its use in "trial by ordeal" or native witchcraft, where ingestion was used to determine guilt or innocence.
  • The accused was subjected to a test involving the Calabar bean.

Variants and Related Words

• Calabar-bean vine (n): The tropical African climbing plant () that produces the Calabar bean.
• Physostigma (n): The botanical genus name for the Calabar-bean vine.
• Physostigmine (n): The alkaloid drug derived from the Calabar bean, used in medicine to treat certain eye conditions and anticholinergic poisoning.

Synonyms

• Ordeal bean: A synonym referencing its historical use in trials.
• Physostigma seed: A more botanical term.

Notes on Meaning

This term is highly specific. Its primary meanings are: 1. Botanical/Toxicological: Referring to the physical seed and its poisonous properties. 2. Pharmacological: As the source of the drug physostigmine. 3. Ethnographic: In the context of West African traditional practices. It is not used in general conversation.

Noun

1. dark brown highly poisonous seed of the calabar-bean vine; source of physostigmine and used in native witchcraft