Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Calumba

Ca-lum′ba

,
Noun.
[from
kalumb
, its native name in Mozambique.]
(Med.)
The root of a plant (
Jateorrhiza Calumba
, and probably
Cocculus palmatus
), indigenous in Mozambique. It has an unpleasantly bitter taste, and is used as a tonic and antiseptic.
[Written also
colombo
,
columbo
, and
calombo
.]
American calumba
,
the
Frasera Carolinensis
, also called
American gentian
. Its root has been used in medicine as bitter tonic in place of calumba.

Definition 2024


calumba

calumba

English

Alternative forms

Noun

calumba (uncountable)

  1. (medicine, archaic) The bitter root of a plant (Jateorhiza palmata), indigenous to Mozambique, and used as a tonic and antiseptic.

Derived terms

  • American columbo