lysergic acid

American  

[lahy-sur-jik, li-] / laɪˈsɜr dʒɪk, lɪ- /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a crystalline solid, C 16 H 16 N 2 O 2 , obtained from ergot or synthesized: used in the synthesis of LSD.

---

lysergic acid British  

/ lɪˈsɜːdʒɪk, laɪ- /

noun

1. a crystalline compound with a polycyclic molecular structure: used in medical research. Formula C 16 H 16 N 2 O 2

---

lysergic acid Scientific  

/ lĭ-sûr′jĭk,lī- /

1. A crystalline alkaloid that is a major constituent of ergot. It is used in medical research to induce hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms of psychosis. The drug LSD is a derivative of lysergic acid. Chemical formula: C ₁₆ H ₁₆ N ₂ O ₂ .

---

Etymology

Origin of lysergic acid

First recorded in 1930–35; lys- + erg(ot) + -ic

Example Sentences

Craig succeeded in determining the chemical structure of lysergic acid, the basic component of many ergot alkaloids.

From Scientific American • May 17, 2013

It was 1938 before Hofmann applied the Curtius Synthesis, a method which enabled him to combine and stabilize lysergic acid with basic groups for further ergot research.

From Scientific American • May 17, 2013

Suddenly, I thought of the circulatory stimulant, Coramine, and had the idea of producing an analog compound based on lysergic acid, the building block of ergot alkaloids.

From Scientific American • May 17, 2013

Hofmann achieved the first synthesis of a natural ergot alkaloid by combining lysergic acid with propanolamine.

From Scientific American • May 17, 2013

Anthony Weiner does not have a lysergic acid diethylamide addiction.

From Forbes • Jun. 17, 2011