calamus — ONAD

calamus /ˈkaləməs, ˈkæləməs

▸ noun

(plural calami /ˈkaləˌmī, ˈkæləˌmaɪ

1 another term for sweet flag.

▪ (also calamus root) a preparation of the aromatic root of the sweet flag.

2 Zoology the hollow lower part of the shaft of a feather, which lacks barbs; a quill.

– ORIGIN late Middle English (denoting a reed or an aromatic plant mentioned in the Bible): from Latin, from Greek kalamos. calamus (SENSE 1) dates from the mid 17th century.