jatropha curcas

2 definitions found

jatropha curcas - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Physic \Phys"ic\ (f[i^]z"[i^]k), n. [OE. phisike, fisike, OF.
     phisique, F. physique knowledge of nature, physics, L.
     physica, physice, fr. Gr. fysikh`, fr. fysiko`s natural, from
     fy`sis nature, fr. fy`ein to produce, grow, akin to E. be.
     See Be, and cf. Physics, Physique.]
     1. The art of healing diseases; the science of medicine; the
        theory or practice of medicine; -- an archaic term,
        superseded by medicine. [archaic] "A doctor of physik."
        --Chaucer.
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     2. A specific internal application for the cure or relief of
        sickness; a remedy for disease; a medicine.
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     3. Specifically, a medicine that purges; a cathartic.
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     4. A physician. [R.] --Shak.
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     Physic nut (Bot.), a small tropical American euphorbiaceous
        tree (Jatropha Curcas), and its seeds, which are well
        flavored, but contain a drastic oil which renders them
        dangerous if eaten in large quantities.
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  Barbados \Bar*ba"dos\ or Barbadoes \Bar*ba"does\, n.
     A West Indian island, giving its name to a disease, to a
     cherry, etc.
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     Barbados cherry (Bot.), a genus of trees of the West Indies
        (Malpighia) with an agreeably acid fruit resembling a
        cherry.
  
     Barbados leg (Med.), a species of elephantiasis incident to
        hot climates.
  
     Barbados nuts, the seeds of the Jatropha curcas, a plant
        growing in South America and elsewhere. The seeds and
        their acrid oil are used in medicine as a purgative. See
        Physic nut.
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