1.
[syn: physic nut, Jatropha curcus]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Physic \Phys"ic\ (f[i^]z"[i^]k), n. [OE. phisike, fisike, OF.
phisique, F. physique knowledge of nature, physics, L.
physica, physice, fr. Gr. fysikh`, fr. fysiko`s natural, from
fy`sis nature, fr. fy`ein to produce, grow, akin to E. be.
See Be, and cf. Physics, Physique.]
1. The art of healing diseases; the science of medicine; the
theory or practice of medicine; -- an archaic term,
superseded by medicine. [archaic] "A doctor of physik."
--Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
2. A specific internal application for the cure or relief of
sickness; a remedy for disease; a medicine.
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3. Specifically, a medicine that purges; a cathartic.
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4. A physician. [R.] --Shak.
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Physic nut (Bot.), a small tropical American euphorbiaceous
tree (Jatropha Curcas), and its seeds, which are well
flavored, but contain a drastic oil which renders them
dangerous if eaten in large quantities.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
physic nut
n 1: 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 [syn:
physic nut, Jatropha curcus]