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Webster 1913 Edition

Scammony

Scam′mo-ny

(skăm′mō̍-ny̆)
,
Noun.
[F.
scammonée
, L.
scammonia
,
scammonea
, Gr.
σκαμμωνία
.]
1.
(Bot.)
A species of bindweed or
Convolvulus
(
Convolvulus Scammonia
).
2.
An inspissated sap obtained from the root of the
Convolvulus Scammonia
, of a blackish gray color, a nauseous smell like that of old cheese, and a somewhat acrid taste. It is used in medicine as a cathartic.

Webster 1828 Edition

Scammony

SCAM'MONY

,
Noun.
[L. scammonia.]
1.
A plant of the genus convolvulus.
2.
A gum resin, obtained from the plant of that name, of a blackish gray color, a strong nauseous smell, and a bitter and very acrid taste. The best scammony comes from Aleppo, in light spungy masses, easily friable. That of Smyrna is black, ponderous, and mixed with extraneous matter.

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