What does guaco mean?
Definitions for guaco
gua·co
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word guaco.
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Webster Dictionary
Guaconoun
a plant (Aristolochia anguicida) of Carthagena, used as an antidote to serpent bites
Guaconoun
the Mikania Guaco, of Brazil, used for the same purpose
Etymology: [Sp.]
Wikidata
Guaco
Guaco, huaco, or guao, also vejuco and bejuco are terms applied to various vine-like Central American, South American, and West Indian climbing plants, reputed to have curative powers. Native Americans and Colombians believe that the guaco was named after a species of kite, in imitation of its cry, which they say it uses to attract the snakes which it feeds on. Tradition says that the plant's powers as an antidote were discovered through watching the bird eat the leaves, and even spread the juice on its wings, before attacking the snakes. Any twining plant with a heart-shaped leaf, white and green above and purple beneath, is called a guaco by Native Americans, which does not necessarily coincide with which plants are “true” guacos, as far as naturalists are concerned. What is most commonly recognized in Colombia as guaco, or Vejuco del guaco, would appear to be Mikania guaco, a climbing Composite plant of the tribe Eupatorieae, preferring moist and shady situations, and having a much-branched and deep-growing root, variegated, serrated, opposite leaves and dull white flowers, in axillary clusters. The whole plant emits a disagreeable odour. It is stated that the Central American natives, after taking guaco, catch with impunity the most dangerous snakes, which writhe in their hands as though touched by a hot iron. The odour alone of guaco, has been said to cause, in snakes, a state of stupor; and Humboldt, who observed that proximity of a rod steeped in guaco-juice was obnoxious to the venomous Coluber corallinus, was of opinion that inoculation with it gives perspiration an odour which makes reptiles unwilling to bite. The drug is not used in modern medicine.
Suggested Resources
guaco
Song lyrics by guaco -- Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by guaco on the Lyrics.com website.
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of guaco in Chaldean Numerology is: 2
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of guaco in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2
Translations for guaco
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
- guacoFrench
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"guaco." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/guaco>.
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