yohimbine

[ yoh-him-been ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. an alkaloid, C 21 H 26 N 2 O 3 , extracted from the bark of Corynanthe johimbe or Rauwolfia serpentina, used as a selective alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist: purported to have aphrodisiac properties.

yohimbine

/ jəʊˈhɪmbiːn /

noun

1. an alkaloid found in the bark of the tree Corynanthe yohimbe. It is used in medicine as an adrenergic blocking agent. Formula: C 21 H 26 N 2 O 3

Word History and Origins

Origin of yohimbine¹

1895–1900; yohimb(e) + -ine ²; perhaps originally formed in German

Word History and Origins

Origin of yohimbine¹

C19: from Bantu yohimbé a tropical African tree + -ine ¹