QUASSIA Meaning and
Definition
-
Quassia is a noun that refers to a tropical tree of the Simaroubaceae family, commonly found in Central and South America, as well as in the West Indies. The tree is primarily known for its wood, which contains a bitter, astringent substance. It is this substance that is most commonly referred to as quassia.
Quassia is often used in herbal medicine and has a long history of traditional use in various cultures. The bitter compound found in quassia, known as quassin, is believed to have several medicinal properties, including being a digestive stimulant, a febrifuge (able to reduce fever), and an antiparasitic agent. It is commonly used to treat digestive disorders, such as indigestion and appetite loss, as well as to expel intestinal worms and other parasites.
Apart from its medicinal uses, quassia is also used as a flavoring agent, particularly in the production of bitters and certain alcoholic beverages. The intensely bitter taste of quassia makes it a popular ingredient in cocktails, tonics, and liqueurs.
The name "quassia" is derived from the Surinamese slave rebel leader, Quassie, who introduced the tree to European colonizers in the 18th century. Since then, quassia has become widely recognized and utilized for its medicinal and flavoring properties.
-
(U.S.) Quassia lignum (Br.), bitterwood, the wood of Picrasma excelsa (Picroena excelsa), or of Quassia amara; it is marketed as Jamaica q. and Surinam q. It is employed as a bitter tonic in doses of gr. 5-30 (0.3-2.0). The infusion is used as an injection for the destruction of thread worms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
A S. Amer. plant whose wood is intensely bitter-the bark is used as a tonic.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for QUASSIA
- 1uassia
- 2uassia
- wuassia
- auassia
- qyassia
- qhassia
- qjassia
- qiassia
- q8assia
- q7assia
- quzssia
- qusssia
- quwssia
- quqssia
- quaasia
- quazsia
- quaxsia
- quadsia
- quaesia
Etymology of QUASSIA
The word "quassia" is derived from the name of a plant called "Quassia amara" or "Picrasma excelsa" which is native to tropical regions in the Americas. The plant gets its name from a man named Quassy or Quassu, who was a Ghanaian slave brought to Suriname in South America during the colonial era. It is believed that he discovered the bitter properties of the tree, and it was named after him in tribute. The word "quassia" was first recorded in English in 1763 to refer to the plant and the medicinal substance extracted from it.
Similar spelling words for QUASSIA
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
