papaverine

[ puh-pav-uh-reen, -er-in, puh-pey-vuh-reen, -ver-in ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, nonnarcotic, alkaloidal powder, C 2 0 H 2 1 NO 4 , obtained from opium, but not a morphine derivative and not habit-forming or addicting, used in the treatment of spasms of involuntary muscle, especially of the stomach, bronchi, and arteries.

papaverine

/ -rɪn; pəˈpeɪvəˌriːn /

noun

1. a white crystalline almost insoluble alkaloid found in opium and used as an antispasmodic to treat coronary spasms and certain types of colic. Formula: C 20 H 21 NO 4

Word History and Origins

Origin of papaverine¹

1855–60; < Latin papāver poppy + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of papaverine¹

C19: from Latin papāver poppy

Example Sentences

Papaverine, laudanosine, narcotine, and narceine are four other alkaloids found in opium.

From Project Gutenberg

These compounds with iodine are decomposed by ammonia and potash, papaverine separating.

From Project Gutenberg

An alcoholic solution of platinic chloride also separates papaverine platin chloride in crystals.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• drug
• heroin
• morphine
• opiate
• poppy