in Heathen Antiquity, denotes the solid food of the gods, in contradistinction from their drink, which was called nectar. It had the appellation ambrosia (compounded of the particle a privative, and ßeòs mortal), as being supposed to render those immortal who fed on it.

AMBROSIA is also a splendid kind of title, given by some physicians to certain alexipharmic compositions of extraordinary virtue. The name was particularly given to a famous antidote of Philip of Macedon against all noxious bites, and stings of venomous creatures, as well as many internal diseases.

AMBROSA. See Botany Index.