tragacantha definition

A gummy exudation from Astragalus species, including A. Gummifer, shrubs of the eastern end of the Mediterranean; it occurs as bands or strings of a tough gummy substance, forming a jelly-like mucilage with 50 parts of water; used as a demulcent and excipient in emulsions and suspensions.

Origin: G. Tragakantha, a gum-producing shrub, fr. Tragos, goat, + akanthos, thorn

(05 Mar 2000)