How Do You Spell CALAMUS?

Pronunciation: [kˈalaməs] (IPA)

The word "calamus" is a noun that refers to a type of marsh plant that is often used to make fragrances and flavorings. Despite its deceptively simple spelling, the word presents a bit of a challenge in terms of pronunciation. The correct pronunciation of "calamus" is /kəˈleɪməs/, with the stress on the second syllable. The tricky part is the first syllable, which is pronounced with the "uh" sound as opposed to the "a" sound. Keep this in mind the next time you encounter the word "calamus" in your reading and conversation!

CALAMUS Meaning and Definition

1. Calamus is a noun that has multiple meanings depending on the context it is used in. One definition refers to a plant commonly known as sweet flag or calamus root, belonging to the genus Acorus. This perennial herbaceous plant has slender, erect leaves and grows in moist areas such as marshes, swamps, and along the banks of streams. It is known for its fragrant scent and has historically been used in traditional medicine and perfumery. The rhizomes of the plant are often harvested and dried to produce essential oils or used in the preparation of herbal remedies.

   In a different context, calamus can also refer to a type of cane or reed. It is specifically associated with the rattan palm, commonly found in Southeast Asia. The calamus reed is known for its durability and flexibility, making it ideal for the construction of furniture, baskets, and other woven, wooden objects.

   Furthermore, calamus is also used to describe a musical instrument. It is a term often associated with a wind instrument similar to a flute or a recorder. The calamus instrument typically has a hollow, tubular body and finger holes for producing different notes. It has a long history, dating back to ancient times, and is found in various cultural traditions worldwide.

   Overall, the word calamus encompasses multiple meanings related to a plant, a type of cane, and a musical instrument.

2. The dried unpeeled rhizome of A corus calamus, sweet flag; aromatic and stomachic in doses of gr. 5-30 (0.3-2.0).

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. A rush; a reed, anciently used as a pen to write with, or made into a musical instrument; in bot., a hollow inarticulate stem.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CALAMUS

• xalamus
• valamus
• falamus
• dalamus
• czlamus
• cslamus
• cwlamus
• cqlamus
• cakamus
• capamus
• caoamus
• calzmus
• calsmus
• calwmus
• calqmus
• calakus
• calajus
• calamys
• calamhs
• cal amus

Etymology of CALAMUS

The word "calamus" has its origins in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "calamus", which means "reed" or "stalk of a plant". This Latin term, in turn, traces back to the Ancient Greek word "kalamos", which has the same meaning. The term "calamus" is often used to refer to a type of reed or the stem of a reed-like plant.

Similar spelling words for CALAMUS

• clamors,
• clamps,
• calms,
• claims,
• callus,
• callens,
• clams.

Plural form of CALAMUS is CALAMI