guaiac Definition
- 1a resin obtained from the wood of a small tree, Guaiacum officinale, of the West Indies and South America, used chiefly in medicine as a mild cathartic and to test for the presence of blood in the feces.
- 2a brownish-black resin prepared from guaiacum or produced synthetically: used chiefly in varnishes, as a food preservative, and in medicine as an expectorant and to treat arthritis.
Using guaiac: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "guaiac" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The doctor ordered a guaiac test to check for blood in the patient's stool.
Example
Guaiac is used in some varnishes and as a food preservative.
Example
Guaiac is also used in traditional medicine to treat arthritis and other ailments.
guaiac Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with guaiac
Example
The doctor ordered a guaiac test to check for blood in the patient's stool.
Example
The antique cabinet was made of guaiacum wood, known for its durability and beautiful grain.
a synthetic version of guaiac resin, used in various applications including food preservation and medicine
Example
The food industry often uses synthetic guaiac as a preservative in packaged foods.
Origins of guaiac
from Spanish 'guayaco', from Taíno 'guayacán', meaning 'wood that heals'
Summary: guaiac in Brief
Guaiac [gwahy-ak, gwey-] is a resin obtained from the wood of the guaiacum tree, used in medicine as a mild cathartic and to test for blood in the feces. It is also used in varnishes, as a food preservative, and in traditional medicine to treat arthritis. The term extends into phrases like 'guaiac test,' which checks for blood in the stool, and 'synthetic guaiac,' a synthetic version of the resin used in various applications.
