Calamus

Definition of Calamus

Cal´a`mus

n.	1.	(Bot.) The indian cane, a plant of the Palm family. It furnishes the common rattan. See Rattan, and Dragon's blood.
	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.
	3.	(Zool.) The horny basal portion of a feather; the barrel or quill.

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