What does vomica mean?
Vomica is an archaic English noun associated with nux vomica, the tropical tree known for seeds containing strychnine. In older botanical and pharmacological writing, the term could refer to the tree, its seed, or preparations derived from it. It is therefore not simply an alternative spelling or polite synonym of “vomit,” despite the resemblance between the words. References to vomica normally belong to formal, historical, or scientific contexts, where the substance's extreme toxicity and former medicinal use are central to understanding it. Modern readers are more likely to encounter the word in descriptions of early pharmacopoeias, toxicology, or the history of botany. The name ultimately comes from Latin nux vomica, literally “vomiting nut,” a fitting reminder that the seed was named for its physiological effects and that old naming conventions could be more vivid—and less medically cautious—than modern ones.
nounAn archaic term for nux vomica, its seed, or preparations made from it. The seeds contain strychnine, and the name was also used for medicines administered as emetics.
- The nux vomica tree, or its seed.
- An obsolete medicine or preparation made from nux vomica and used as an emetic.
"The apothecary's ledger listed vomica among the powerful drugs stored in the dispensary."
"In an eighteenth-century pharmacopoeia, vomica was listed among the emetics."
"The botanist identified vomica as a strychnine-bearing plant long prized by early pharmacologists."
The learned Latin plural is now very rare because the word itself is archaic.
"The pharmacist stored the vomicae in a locked poison cabinet."
Vomica sounds like a medicine for vomiting, but its seeds are a classic source of strychnine, a notorious poison that triggers convulsions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vomica
English borrowed the word from Latin vomicus, meaning “causing vomiting” or “emetic,” which derives from vomare, “to vomit.” It became familiar through the botanical and pharmaceutical name nux vomica, literally “vomiting nut.” Its relatives include vomit, vomitive, vomitory, and vomitus.
How vomica is actually used
Chiefly historical, botanical, or pharmacological. Despite its resemblance to the modern verb “vomit,” it is not an ordinary substitute for that word.