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Dictionary Language resources

calamus

Syllabification: (cal·a·mus)

Pronunciation: /ˈkaləməs/

Definition of calamus

noun (plural calami /-ˌmī, -ˌmē/)

1another term for sweet flag.
(also calamus root) a preparation of the aromatic root of the sweet flag.

2 Zoology the hollow lower part of the shaft of a feather, which lacks barbs; a quill.

Origin:

late Middle English (denoting a reed or an aromatic plant mentioned in the Bible): from Latin, from Greek kalamos. sense 1 dates from the mid 17th century