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.

From Washington Times

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

From US News

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

From Washington Times

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

From BBC

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

From BBC