Ca*lum"ba (?), n. [from kalumb, its native name in Mozambique.] Med.
The root of a plant (Jateorrhiza Calumba, and probably Cocculus palmatus), indigenous in Mozambique. It has an unpleasantly bitter taste, and is used as a tonic and antiseptic.
[Written also
colombo,
columbo, and
calombo.]
American calumba, the Frasera Carolinensis, also called American gentian. Its root has been used in medicine as bitter tonic in place of calumba.
© Webster 1913.