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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of abrin¹

1880–85; < Abr(us precatorius), scientific name of the rosary pea + -in ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Chamberlain led the FBI on a three-day manhunt in 2014 after investigators said they found ingredients to make a bomb, a .22 caliber handgun without a serial number and the toxin abrin at his apartment.

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Malcolm, who lived in the Sacramento suburb of Carmichael, also was sentenced for possessing abrin, a natural poison that can kill within days.

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Authorities also found a .22 caliber handgun without a serial number and abrin, a highly toxic substance found in the rosary pea seeds.

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He was charged with trying to obtain 10mg of abrin under the Biological Weapons Act 1974 and Criminal Attempts Act 1981.

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At an earlier hearing, Tameside Magistrates' Court heard just 0.05mg of abrin was enough to kill a human.

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