Calumba \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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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