Akademik

small tropical American tree yielding purple dye and a tanning extract and bearing physic nuts containing a purgative oil that is poisonous in large quantities

1. : the seed of a small tropical American tree (Jatropha curcas) containing a strongly purgative oil that is poisonous if taken in large quantities

2. : the tree that bears the physic nut and yields a purple dye and a tanning extract

1. an ornamental, tropical American tree, Jatropha curcas, of the spurge family, having ivylike leaves, small, yellow or greenish-yellow flowers, and olive-shaped fruit yielding a purgative, poisonous oil.

2. the fruit itself. Also called Barbados nut, purging nut.

[1775-85]

physic nut noun

The purgative seed of the tropical American tree Jatropha curcas, of the spurge family

Main Entry: ↑physic