euphorbium

noun

eu·​phor·​bi·​um
plural -s
: a yellow or brownish very acrid gum resin derived from a Moroccan spurge (Euphorbia resinifera) and other African spurges and formerly employed medicinally as an emetic and cathartic but now used chiefly in veterinary medicine as a vesicant

Word History

Etymology

Middle English euforbium, from Medieval Latin, from Greek euphorbion euphorbium, euphorbia, from Euphorbus

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near euphorbium

Cite this Entry

“Euphorbium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euphorbium. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!