kamala

Definition

A small or medium-sized tree (Mallotus philippensis) in the spurge family, found in Asia and Australia.

Etymology

Borrowed from Sanskrit कमला (kamalā, “orange”).

Example Sentences

• "After stating the varieties met with in this country, […] he stated that the chief points to be observed in the treatment [of common tapeworm] were: a preliminary starvation of twenty-four hours, and the administration of a combination of kamala and male fern—namely, two drachms of kamala to be rubbed up with a little gum-and-water till an emulsion is formed, and then two drachms of oil of male fern to be added, and the whole triturated in a mortar, […]"
• "Mallotus Philippinensis, J. M. […] Though not of great importance this bush should not be passed on this occasion, inasmuch as the powdery substance investing the seed capsules constitutes the Kamala, which can be employed not only as an orange dye, but also as an anthelmintic remedy. The Hindoo silk-dyers use it for an orange colour, obtained by boiling the Kamala with carbonate of soda."
• "In a recent examination of commercial kamalas, the mean percentage of ash found was 35.17 per cent., using a platinum crucible and as high a temperature as a common Bunsen burner would supply."