physic nut
Definition
Noun: 1. A small tropical American tree (Jatropha curcas): A tree known for producing seeds (nuts) that contain a powerful oil. 2. The seed or nut of this tree: The specific fruit of the Jatropha curcas tree, which is the source of a purgative and potentially toxic oil.
Usage and Examples
- The physic nut tree is drought-resistant and often planted for soil conservation.
- Traditional medicine sometimes uses oil from the physic nut as a strong laxative.
- Warning: Ingesting the raw physic nut or its oil in large quantities can be dangerous.
Advanced Usage
- As a source of biofuel: In modern contexts, the oil from the physic nut is researched as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production.
- Example: The plantation of physic nut is being evaluated for sustainable biofuel projects.
Variants and Related Words
- Jatropha curcas (n): The formal botanical name for the physic nut tree.
- Purging nut (n): Another common name for the physic nut, directly referencing its strong laxative effect.
- Barbados nut (n): A regional name for the physic nut.
Synonyms
- Purging nut
- Barbados nut
Notes on Meaning
The term "physic nut" specifically refers to the plant Jatropha curcas and its seeds. The word "physic" is an archaic term for medicine or a purgative drug, which directly describes the nut's historical medicinal use as a powerful laxative. Its primary meanings are botanical and pharmacological.
Noun
-
small tropical American tree yielding purple dye and a tanning extract and bearing physic nuts containing a purgative oil that is poisonous in large quantities
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