\Lig"num-vi"tae\ (-v[imac]"t[=e]), n. [L., wood of
life; lignum wood + vita, genitive vit[ae], life.] (Bot.)
A tree ({Guaiacum officinale}) found in the warm latitudes of
America, from which the {guaiacum} of medicine is procured.
Its wood is very hard and heavy, and is used for various
mechanical purposes, as for the wheels of ships' blocks,
cogs, bearings, and the like. See {Guaiacum}.
Note: In New Zealand the {Metrosideros buxifolia} is called
      lignum-vit[ae], and in Australia a species of {Acacia}.
      The bastard lignum-vit[ae] is a West Indian tree
      ({Sarcomphalus laurinus}).