emetine

[ em-i-teen, -tin ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a crystalline or white powdery substance, C 29 H 40 N 2 O 4 , the active principle of ipecac: used chiefly in the treatment of amebic dysentery and as an emetic and expectorant.

emetine

/ ˈɛmətɪn; ˈɛməˌtiːn; -tɪn /

noun

1. a white bitter poisonous alkaloid obtained from ipecacuanha: the hydrochloride is used to treat amoebic infections. Formula: C 29 H 40 O 4 N 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of emetine¹

1810–20; < Greek émet ( os ) vomiting + -ine ²; compare French émétine

Word History and Origins

Origin of emetine¹

C19: from French émétine; see emetic , -ine ²

Example Sentences

Doctor Granville, at the outside, will cure his pyorrhea with emetine for no more than a paltry fifty dollars.

From Project Gutenberg

If it be soluble, it may consist of aconitine, atropine or codeine; if insoluble, of emetine or morphine.

From Project Gutenberg

It might appear from this that emetine is soluble in hydrochlorate of ammonia.

From Project Gutenberg

Some cases of amibian dysentery are being treated with calomel, salol, and emetine.

From Project Gutenberg