euphorbium

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An acrid dull yellow or brown resin consisting of the concreted milky juice of several species of Euphorbia, formerly used as a purgative and emetic.

Pronunciation

/juːˈfɔː.bi.əm/ /juˈfɔɹ.bi.əm/

Word forms

euphorbium

Etymology

From Latin euphorbium, from Ancient Greek εὐφόρβιον (euphórbion), from Εὔφορβος (Eúphorbos, “Euphorbus, physician to the Mauretanian king Juba II”) + -ιον (-ion, “related to”). The name is from εὔφορβος (eúphorbos, “well-fed”), from εὖ (eû, “well”) + φορβή (phorbḗ, “food, fodder”).

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