2. (Chem.)
Defn: An explosive compound of wood fiber and nitroglycerin. See
Nitroglycerin.
LIGNUM RHODIUM
Lig"num rho"di*um. Etym: [NL., fr. L. lignum wood + Gr. (Bot.)
Defn: The fragrant wood of several shrubs and trees, especially of species of Rhodorhiza from the Canary Islands, and of the West Indian Amyris balsamifera.
LIGNUM-VITAE Lig"num-vi"tae, n. Etym: [L., wood of life; lignum wood + vita, genitive vitæ, life.] (Bot.)
Defn: 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.
Note: 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).
LIGROIN
Lig"ro*in, n.
Defn: A trade name applied somewhat indefinitely to some of the volatile products obtained in refining crude petroleum. It is a complex and variable mixture of several hydrocarbons, generally boils below 170º Fahr., and is more inflammable than safe kerosene. It is used as a solvent, as a carburetant for air gas, and for illumination in special lamps.
LIGSAM
Lig"sam, n. Etym: [Cf. D. liggen to lie, E. lie to be prostrate, and
E. flotsam, jetsam, or ligan.]