tabasheer

n. [ Per. tabāshīr: cf. Skr. tvakkshīrā, tvakshīrā. ] A concretion in the joints of the bamboo, which consists largely or chiefly of pure silica. It is highly valued in the East Indies as a medicine for the cure of bilious vomitings, bloody flux, piles, and various other diseases. [ 1913 Webster ]