Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Algum

Al′gum

,
Noun.
Same as
Almug
(and etymologically preferable).
2 Chron. ii. 8.
{

Al′mug

,

Al′gum

, }
Noun.
[Heb., perh. borrowed fr. Skr.
valguka
sandalwood.]
(Script.)
A tree or wood of the Bible (2 Chron. ii. 8; 1 K. x. 11).
☞ Most writers at the present day follow Celsius, who takes it to be the red sandalwood of China and the Indian Archipelago.
W. Smith.

Webster 1828 Edition


Algum

AL'GUM

,
Noun.
In scripture, a tree or wood about which the learned are not agreed. The most probably conjecture is that the word denotes gummy or resinous wood in general.
The Vulgate translates it ligna thyina, and the Septuagint, wrought-wood; others, ebony, bravil or pine, and the Rabbins render it coral. It was used for musical instruments, stair cases, &c.
The thyinum is the citron tree, from Mauritania, much esteemed by the ancients for its fragrance and beauty. The almug, almugim, or algumin, or simply gummin is most probably a gummy wood, and perhaps may be the Shittim, often mentioned in Scripture. See 1Kings 10:11.