Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

abrin

[ey-brin]
noun
  1. a highly poisonous protein found in the seeds of the rosary pea: inhibits protein synthesis, causing symptoms such as internal bleeding, intestinal upset, and irritation of mucous membranes.
Show More

Origin of abrin

1880–85; < Abr(us precatorius), scientific name of the rosary pea + -in2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for abrin

Historical Examples

  • Abrin, or Abrine, a poisonous substance, being the active principle in the seeds of Abrus precatorius (see Abrus).

    The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 1

    Various