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lignum vitae definition

lig·num vi·tae (lig′nəm vīt′ē)

  1. guaiacum (sense )
  2. Commerce the very hard wood of the guaiacum, used in marine and machine bearings, casters, pulleys, etc.

Etymology: ModL < L lignum, wood (see ligneous) + vitae, gen. of vita, life: see bio-

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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