Physic Nut (Noun)
Meaning
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.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The Physic Nut tree, grown in many tropical regions, is a source of natural dyes and tanning extracts.
- Physic nut seeds contain the oil ricinoleic acid, a chemical compound used in detergents and cosmetics.
- Physic nut extracts can cause skin irritation and have a toxic effect on humans if ingested in large amounts.
- Despite its toxic properties, the physic nut tree has been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat various ailments.
- Physic nut oil has been found to be effective in treating inflamed skin conditions but requires careful handling and dosage due to its potential toxicity.