| 释义 |
ˈphysic-nut
[f. physic n. 4 + nut.]
The fruit of the euphorbiaceous shrub Jatropha Curcas L. (Curcas purgans), of tropical America, used as a purgative; the Barbados- or purging-nut; also the plant itself, more fully physic-nut bush or physic-nut tree.
Sometimes applied to species of the allied genus Croton. French physic-nut, the species Jatropha multifida.
1657R. Ligon Barbados 67 They gathered all the physick nuts they could. 1703W. Dampier Voy. III. i. 71 Physick-Nuts as Seamen call them are called here Pineon. 1756P. Browne Jamaica 348 French Physic Nut. The plant is much raised in Jamaica, and forms no small ornament of their flower-gardens. 1871Kingsley At Last xvi, The French Physic-nut, with its hemp-like leaves, and a little bunch of red coral in the midst.
attrib.1750G. Hughes Barbadoes 115 The physic-nut-tree. This is generally a knotty shrubby tree. 1792M. Riddell Voy. Madeira 88 The croton lacciferum, or physic nut bush, bears a seed which..acts as a powerful emetic. 1865F. Saver in Fortn. Rev. No. 5. 617 Even the street lamps [in Madeira] are lighted with physic-nut oil. |