calamus

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun any tropical Asian palm of the genus Calamus; light tough stems are a source of rattan canes
  2. noun the aromatic root of the sweet flag used medicinally
  3. noun perennial marsh plant having swordlike leaves and aromatic roots

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin calamus (“reed, cane”), from Ancient Greek κάλαμος (kálamos). Doublet of culm, haulm, helm (Etymology 4, stalk), qalam, and shawm.

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