'Physic nut' definitions:
Definition of 'physic nut'
From: WordNet
noun
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]
Definition of 'Physic nut'
From: GCIDE
- 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 The art of healing diseases; the science of medicine; the theory or practice of medicine; -- an archaic term, superseded by medicine.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. [1913 Webster]
- 3. Specifically, a medicine that purges; a cathartic. [1913 Webster]
- 4. A physician. [R.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
- 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]