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pilocarpine

[pahy-luh-kahr-peen, -pin, pil-uh-]
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noun Pharmacology.
  1. 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.
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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. 2018

Examples from the Web for pilocarpine

Historical Examples

  • Other salts of Pilocarpine are not described because used substantially as the above.

    Merck's 1899 Manual

    Merck &amp; Co.

  • Besides, the caffeine in the coffee probably aided the pilocarpine.

    The Social Gangster

    Arthur B. Reeve

  • With their pilocarpine they have ruined the health of how many people for ever!

    L-bas

    J. K. Huysmans

  • When the skin is habitually dry and harsh a dose of pilocarpine every other night for a few times will often prove very useful.

  • To this end the resin of copaiba in pilular form and pilocarpine subcutaneously may be used.

British Dictionary definitions for pilocarpine

pilocarpine

pilocarpin (ˌpaɪləʊˈkɑːpɪn)

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

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
pilocarpine in Medicine

pilocarpine

(pī′lō-kär′pēn′)
n.
  1. A colorless or yellow poisonous compound used to induce sweating, promote salivation, and treat glaucoma.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.