strophanthus

[ stroh-fan-thuhs ]

noun

, plural stro·phan·thus·es.

1. any of various shrubs or small trees belonging to the genus Strophanthus, of the dogbane family, chiefly of tropical Africa.
2. the dried, ripe seed of any of these plants, which yields the drug strophanthin.

strophanthus

/ strəʊˈfænθəs /

noun

1. any small tree or shrub of the apocynaceous genus Strophanthus, of tropical Africa and Asia, having strap-shaped twisted petals. The seeds of certain species yield the drug strophanthin
2. the seeds of any of these plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of strophanthus¹

< New Latin (1802) < Greek stróph ( os ) twine + ánthos flower

Word History and Origins

Origin of strophanthus¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek strophos twisted cord + anthos flower

Example Sentences

The exquisitely beautiful seed of Strophanthus Kombe is used as an arrow poison.

From Project Gutenberg

The poison used here, and called kombi, is obtained from a species of strophanthus, and is very virulent.

From Project Gutenberg

A little tincture of strophanthus used to relieve me during intermittence.

From Project Gutenberg

The well-known diuretic properties of digitalis, strophanthus and squills are greatly enhanced by the addition of the oxysaponin.

From Project Gutenberg

The action of digitalis, moreover, persists much longer than does that of strophanthus.

From Project Gutenberg