lobeline

[ loh-buh-leen, -lin ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a crystalline, poisonous alkaloid, C 22 H 27 NO 2 , obtained by extraction from lobelia: used chiefly in the form of its sulfate or hydrochloride as a respiratory stimulant and, because of its nicotinelike pharmacological action, as an agent to discourage tobacco smoking.

lobeline

/ ˈləʊbəˌliːn /

noun

1. a crystalline alkaloid extracted from the seeds of the Indian tobacco plant, used as a smoking deterrent and respiratory stimulant

Word History and Origins

Origin of lobeline¹

First recorded in 1835–45; lobel(ia) + -ine ²( def 2 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of lobeline¹

C19: from lobelia

Example Sentences

The chief constituent is a volatile liquid alkaloid (cf. nicotine) named lobeline, which occurs to the extent of about 30 %.

From Project Gutenberg