Calamus | n.; pl. Calami [ L., a reed. See Halm. ] 1. (Bot.) The indian cane, a plant of the Palm family. It furnishes the common rattan. See Rattan, and Dragon's blood. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Bot.) A species of Acorus (Acorus calamus), commonly called calamus, or sweet flag. The root has a pungent, aromatic taste, and is used in medicine as a stomachic; the leaves have an aromatic odor, and were formerly used instead of rushes to strew on floors. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Zool.) The horny basal portion of a feather; the barrel or quill. [ 1913 Webster ] |