Ca*lum"ba (?), n. [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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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