SWEET-RUSH
\swˈiːtɹˈʌʃ], \swˈiːtɹˈʌʃ], \s_w_ˈiː_t_ɹ_ˈʌ_ʃ]\
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A plant of the genus Acorus (A. Calamus), found growing in ponds, by the banks of rivers, and other wet places in England, and in the cooler parts of the Continent, of India, and of North America. From the lower part of the thick jointed rhizome or root-stock numerous roots are thrown down, while from the upper surface arise a number of sword-shaped leaves, from 2 to 3 feet in length, sheathing at the base, also a long leaf-like stalk from which issues a spike of densely-packed greenish flowers. All parts of the plant, but especially the perennial rhizome (known as calamus-root), have a strong aromatic and slightly acrid taste; and hence the rhizome is used in medicine as a stimulant and tonic in some kinds of indigestion, and it is said to be useful in ague. It is also used by confectioners as a candy; by perfumers in the preparation of aromatic vinegar and other perfumed articles, as hair-powders; and by manufacturers of beer and gin as a flavoring ingredient.
By Daniel Lyons
Word of the day
Dopamine Acetyltransferase
- An enzyme that catalyzes the of groups from acetyl-CoA to arylamines. They have wide specificity for aromatic amines, particularly serotonin, and can also catalyze acetyl transfer between arylamines without CoA. EC 2.3.1.5.