strychnine Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an alkaloid plant toxin extracted chiefly from nux vomica; formerly used as a stimulant

L. strychnos a kind of nightshade, Gr. : cf. F. strychnine.

(Chem.) A very poisonous alkaloid resembling brucine, obtained from various species of plants, especially from species of Loganiaceæ, as from the seeds of the St. Ignatius bean (Strychnos Ignatia) and from nux vomica. It is obtained as a white crystalline substance, having a very bitter acrid taste, and is employed in medicine (chiefly in the form of the sulphate) as a powerful neurotic stimulant. Called also strychnia, and formerly strychnina.