guaco (gwako)

[Sp.-Amer., appar. of native origin.] 1. The Mikania Guaco, a climbing composite of tropical America; also, a medicinal substance consisting of, or an aromatic bitter obtained from, the leaves of this plant. Guaco is reputed to be an antidote to the poison Flowering Branch of Guaco ( Mikania Guaco). of serpents, and was at one time considered a remedy for cholera and hydrophobia. It has also been proposed as a cure for cancer. 2. The Aristolochia maxima of tropical America, employed as a remedy for the bites of serpents. guaconize (gwäʼkō-niz), v. t.; pret. and pp. guaconized , ppr. guaconizing . [ -ize .] To subject to the effects of guaco. It is stated that the Indians of Central America, after having guaconized themselves, i. e., taken guaco, catch with impunity the most dangerous snakes, which writhe in their hands as though touched by a hot iron. Encyc . Brit ., XI. 228. IMG:content-2743.png:[blocks in formation] IMG:content-2744.jpg:[blocks in formation] nure. and southern Florida, is a similar tree, and is also a source of lignum-vitæ. See lignum -vita. 2. [l. c.] The wood of trees of this genus.-3. [ l. c.] A resin obtained from guaiacum-wood. It is greenish-brown with a slight balsamic odor, and has the peculiar property of turning blue under the action of oxidizing agents. It is reputed diaphoretic and alterative, and is frequently prescribed in cases of gout and rheumatism. Also, in senses 2 and 3, guaiac , guiacum , guallacan . guan (gwän), n. An American bird of the family Cracidæ and subfamily Penelopinæ , related to the hoccos and cura ows. There are 7 genera ( Aburria , Chamæpetes , Ortalis (or Ortalida), Pipile, Pe IMG:content-2745.jpg:[blocks in formation] guanal (gwänä), n. [See iguana. ] 1. The tuberculated lizard, Iguana tuberculata: same as iguana. He began whistling with all his might, to which the guana was wonderfully attentive. Père Labat (trans.). 2. The great New Zealand lizard, Hatteria punctata .