picrotoxin

American  

[pik-ruh-tok-sin] / ˌpɪk rəˈtɒk sɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, bitter, poisonous, central nervous system stimulant, C 3 0 H 3 4 O 1 3 , obtained from the seeds of Anamirta cocculus: used chiefly in the treatment of barbiturate poisoning.

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picrotoxin British  

/ ˌpɪkrəˈtɒksɪn /

noun

1. a bitter poisonous crystalline compound formerly used as an antidote for barbiturate poisoning. Formula: C 30 H 34 O 13

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Other Word Forms

• picrotoxic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of picrotoxin

1865–70; < Greek pikr ( ós ) bitter + -o- + toxin

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

picrotoxin

He was promptly put on the standard treatment for such cases: an injection of picrotoxin to stimulate the nervous system, and oxygen by mask.

From Time Magazine Archive

It contains an active principle, cicutoxin, which in some respects is allied to strychnine and picrotoxin.

From Aids to Forensic Medicine and Toxicology by Robertson, W. G. Aitchison (William George Aitchison )

Hot water will now dissolve out picrotoxin, colchicin, and digitalin, but not cantharidin.

From Aids to Forensic Medicine and Toxicology by Robertson, W. G. Aitchison (William George Aitchison )

Sixty-six per cent. of picrotoxin consists of another bitter substance, non-poisonous—picrotin, which is insoluble in benzine and is reduced by Fehling’s solution and nitrate of silver.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers

It contains a bitter poisonous principle, picrotoxin, used in small doses to control the night sweats of phthisis.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 5 "Clervaux" to "Cockade" by Various