‖ [ L., tree of life. ] 1. (Bot.) An evergreen tree of the cypress tribe, genus Thuja. The American species is the Thuja occidentalis. It is commonly used as an ornamental shrub around homes. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

2. (Anat.) The treelike disposition of the gray and white nerve tissues in the cerebellum, as seen in a vertical section. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. curricula vitae (-l&adot_;). [ L. the course of one's life or career. See Curriculum. ] A brief biographical summary of the main points of a person's life, especially one's education and training, the jobs one has held, and other notable activities one has participated in, as well as other notable points such as honors one has received. It is prepared and used commonly by a person who is submitting an application for a job or position of responsibility. It is also called a vita or vitae, and is abbreviated CV. [ PJC ]

‖n. [ L., wood of life; lignum wood + vita, genitive vitæ, life. ] (Bot.) A tree (Guaiacum officinale) found in the warm latitudes of America, from which the guaiacum of medicine is procured. Its wood is very hard and heavy, and is used for various mechanical purposes, as for the wheels of ships' blocks, cogs, bearings, and the like. See Guaiacum. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In New Zealand the Metrosideros buxifolia is called lignum-vitæ, and in Australia a species of Acacia. The bastard lignum-vitæ is a West Indian tree (Sarcomphalus laurinus). [ 1913 Webster ]