curare Meaning, Definition & Usage
-
noun a toxic alkaloid found in certain tropical South American trees that is a powerful relaxant for striated muscles
tubocurarine.
- curare acts by blocking cholinergic transmission at the myoneural junction
WordNet
Cu*ra"re, Cu*ra"ri noun
(Also<
- Curare
- Curari
)
Etymology
Native name. Cf.Definitions
A black resinoid extract prepared by the South American Indians from the bark of several species of Strychnos (S. toxifera , etc.). It sometimes has little effect when taken internally, but is quickly fatal when introduced into the blood, and used by the Indians as an arrow poison.Written also urari ,woorali ,woorari , etc.