atropine

American  

[a-truh-peen, -pin] / ˈæ trəˌpin, -pɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a poisonous crystalline alkaloid, C 17 H 23 NO 3 , obtained from belladonna and other plants of the nightshade family, that prevents the response of various body structures to certain types of nerve stimulation: used chiefly to relieve spasms, to lessen secretions, and, topically, to dilate the pupil of the eye.

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atropine British  

/ ˈætrəˌpiːn, ˈætrəpɪn, -pɪn /

noun

1. a poisonous alkaloid obtained from deadly nightshade, having an inhibitory action on the autonomic nervous system. It is used medicinally in pre-anaesthetic medication, to speed a slow heart rate, and as an emergency first-aid counter to exposure to chemical warfare nerve agents. Formula: C 17 H 23 NO 3

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atropine Scientific  

/ ăt′rə-pēn′,-pĭn /

1. A poisonous, bitter, crystalline alkaloid derived from deadly nightshade and related plants. It is used as a drug to dilate the pupils of the eye and to inhibit muscle spasms. Chemical formula: C ₁₇ H ₂₃ NO ₃ .

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Etymology

Origin of atropine

1830–40; < New Latin Atrop ( a ) belladonna genus (< Greek átropos; see Atropos) + -ine ²

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

atropine

The U.S. is a global outlier, as there are approved versions of low-dose atropine in all other major markets.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 28, 2025

At regular concentrations of about 1 percent, atropine is used to dilate the pupil for eye exams.

From National Geographic ● Nov. 1, 2023

Current interventions to slow the progression include specialty pediatric contact lenses and FDA-approved eye drops containing atropine.

From Slate ● Sep. 30, 2023

Despite its deadly potential, the nerve-gas antidote atropine sulphate can be extracted from it.

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2023

Treatment.—Emetics, purgatives, stimulants, with hypodermic injections of strychnine and atropine along with stimulants.

From Aids to Forensic Medicine and Toxicology by Robertson, W. G. Aitchison (William George Aitchison )