colocynth

noun

col·o·cynth ˈkä-lə-ˌsin(t)th

: a Mediterranean and African herbaceous vine (Citrullus colocynthis) related to the watermelon

also : its spongy fruit from which a powerful cathartic is prepared

Etymology

Latin colocynthis, from Greek kolokynthis

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of colocynth was in 1543

See more words from the same year

Style

“Colocynth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colocynth. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

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colocynth

noun

col·o·cynth ˈkäl-ə-ˌsin(t)th

: a Mediterranean and African herbaceous vine (Citrullus colocynthis) related to the watermelon

also : its spongy fruit from which a powerful cathartic is prepared

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