Phys·ic n.
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 The art of healing diseases; the science of medicine; the theory or practice of medicine; -- an archaic term, superseded by medicine.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.”
2. A specific internal application for the cure or relief of sickness; a remedy for disease; a medicine.
3. Specifically, a medicine that purges; a cathartic.
4. A physician. [R.]
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.
Bar·ba·dos or Bar·ba·does n. A West Indian island, giving its name to a disease, to a cherry, etc.
Barbados cherry Bot., a genus of trees of the West Indies (Malpighia) with an agreeably acid fruit resembling a cherry.
Barbados leg Med., a species of elephantiasis incident to hot climates.
Barbados nuts, the seeds of the Jatropha curcas, a plant growing in South America and elsewhere. The seeds and their acrid oil are used in medicine as a purgative. See Physic nut.
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