badiaga
|ba-di-a-ga|
/bəˈdɪəɡə/
powdered freshwater sponge (medicinal)
Etymology
'badiaga' originates from Russian, specifically the word 'бадяга' (badyaga), where it referred to a freshwater sponge used as a medicinal powder.
'badiaga' was borrowed into English in the 19th century from Russian medical and pharmacological literature, appearing in English texts (often spelled 'badyaga' or 'badiaga') to name the powdered sponge or remedy.
Initially it meant the freshwater sponge or its powdered form used as a topical medicine; over time it also came to denote the commercial or homeopathic remedy prepared from that sponge.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a powdered or dried freshwater sponge (traditionally Spongilla species) used topically as a folk-medicine or homeopathic remedy for bruises, scars, acne, and similar skin conditions; also the commercial or homeopathic preparation made from it.
She applied badiaga paste to the bruise to help reduce the discoloration.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/30 04:44