vincristine

[ vin-kris-teen ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. an alkaloid, C 46 H 56 N 4 O 10 , derived from the periwinkle, Vinca rosea, used in the management of leukemias and lymphomas.

vincristine

/ vɪnˈkrɪstiːn /

noun

1. a cytotoxic drug used in the treatment of leukaemia, derived as an alkaloid from the tropical shrub Madagascar periwinkle ( Vinca rosea )

Word History and Origins

Origin of vincristine¹

1960–65; < New Latin Vin ( ca ) a periwinkle genus + Latin crist ( a ) crest + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of vincristine¹

C20: from New Latin vinca + Latin crista crest + -ine ²