ˈlignəmˈvīd.]ē, -īt], ]i\ noun
( plural lignum vitaes )
Etymology: New Latin, from Late Latin, a tree, literally, wood of life
1. : any of several trees of the genus Guaiacum: as
a. : a tropical American tree ( G. officinale ) found especially in the West Indies
b. : bastard lignum vitae
2. : the wood of lignum vitae
3. Australia : any of various hardwood trees (as members of the genera Metrosideros, Acacia, Eucalyptus, and Vitex )
4. : sandarac tree 1