ergotamine

[ ur-got-uh-meen, -min ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a crystalline, water-soluble polypeptide, C 33 H 35 N 5 O 5 , obtained from ergot, used to stimulate uterine contractions during labor and in the treatment of migraine.

ergotamine

/ ûr-gŏt′ə-mēn′,-mĭn /

1. A crystalline alkaloid derived from ergot that induces vasoconstriction and is used especially in the treatment of migraine headaches. Chemical formula: C 33 H 35 N 5 O 5 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of ergotamine¹

First recorded in 1920–25; ergot + -amine