Definitions
Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- n. The Mikania Guaco, a climbing composite of tropical America; also, a medicinal substance consisting of, or an aromatic bitter obtained from, the leaves of this plant. Guaco is reputed to be an antidote to the poison of serpents, and was at one time considered a remedy for cholera and hydrophobia. It has also been proposed as a cure for cancer.
- n. The Aristolochia maxima of tropical America, employed as a remedy for the bites of serpents.
- n. Same as huaco.
Wiktionary
- n. Any of various vine-like climbing plants of Central and South America and the West Indies, including Mikania and Aristolochia species, reputed to have curative powers.
GNU Webster's 1913
- n. A plant (Aristolochia anguicida) of Carthagena, used as an antidote to serpent bites.
- n. The Mikania Guaco, of Brazil, used for the same purpose.
Etymologies
- Spanish (Wiktionary)
Examples
“It is true there are other birds that kill and eat serpents, -- as the "guaco" bird of South America, and many hawks and kites, -- but the secretary is the only winged creature that makes reptiles of this class exclusively its prey, and carries on a constant war against them.”
“He has only bound on leaves from a shrub called guaco; but you needn't try to remember the name, for they are efficacious only while green.”
The Search for the Silver City A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan
“Regular menu items include the "guaco taco" (chunky guacamole sweet with raw corn and diced onion), as well as tacos with "chipotle'd" chicken and brisket braised in Sinaloan chilorio sauce ($3.50-$4).”
“The tropical rainforests are characterized by Ceiba petandra, Cavanillesia platanifolia (IK), Hura crepitans, caracolí Anacardium excelsum, guaco Brosimum utile, and palma mil pesos Jessenia polycarps (IK).”
“In the _New Monthly Magazine_ for October, 1826, is the following statement of the efficacy of the guaco for the cure of the bite of a mad dog, published by the gentleman who first made use of the plant in”
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 13, No. 372, May 30, 1829
“It fortunately occurred to me, that the guaco, so celebrated for curing the bite or sting of all venomous snakes, might prove equally efficacious in hydrophobic cases.”
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 13, No. 372, May 30, 1829
“May, 1842, p. 286, describes the guaco as a tree growing from four to eight feet in height, with beautiful dark green leaves, having a brown tinge round the margin.”
“When I have bound more guaco leaves on this man's wound," was the answer, and now the boys noticed that he had brought a fresh supply of the wonderful shrub.”
The Search for the Silver City A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan
“Mutis, with the bejuco del guaco (Mikania guaco), which is the most powerful of all antidotes against the bite of serpents, and of which we were fortunate enough to give the first botanical description.”
“But it did not remain long upon the ground, for in a few moments the guaco rose into the air, and carried the struggling victim into the woods to devour it at his leisure.”
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