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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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

lysergic acid Scientific  
/ lĭ-sûrjĭk,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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

Depending upon the habitat, host grass, and climate, the fungus contains different ergot alkaloids, for the most part lysergic acid derivatives.

From Scientific American • May 17, 2013

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

From Scientific American • May 17, 2013

Anthony Weiner does not have a lysergic acid diethylamide addiction.

From Forbes • Jun. 17, 2011