pilocarpine

[pahy-luh-kahr-peen, -pin, pil-uh-]

noun Pharmacology.

an oil or crystalline alkaloid, C11H16N2O2, obtained from jaborandi, and used chiefly to produce sweating, promote the flow of saliva, contract the pupil of the eye, and for glaucoma.

Nearby words

Origin of pilocarpine

1870–75; < New Latin Pilocarp(us) name of the genus of shrubs which includes jaborandi (< Greek pîlo(s) felt, wool or hair made into felt + -o- -o- + -karpos -carp) + -ine¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for pilocarpine

To this end the resin of copaiba in pilular form and pilocarpine subcutaneously may be used.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various
When the skin is habitually dry and harsh a dose of pilocarpine every other night for a few times will often prove very useful.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various
With their pilocarpine they have ruined the health of how many people for ever!
L-bas|J. K. Huysmans
Muriate of pilocarpine was recommended for this purpose three years ago.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I|Various

Jaborine resembles atropine pharmacologically, and is therefore antagonistic to pilocarpine.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 15, Slice 1|Various

British Dictionary definitions for pilocarpine

pilocarpine

pilocarpin (ˌpaɪləʊˈkɑːpɪn)

noun

an alkaloid extracted from the leaves of the jaborandi tree, formerly used to induce sweating. Formula: C 11 H 16 N 2 O 2

Word Origin for pilocarpine

C19: from New Latin Pilocarpus genus name, from Greek pilos hair + karpos fruit

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

Medicine definitions for pilocarpine

pilocarpine

[pī′lō-kär′pēn′]

n.

A colorless or yellow poisonous compound used to induce sweating, promote salivation, and treat glaucoma.