alkaloid Hear it!

alkaloid definition

al·ka·loid (al′kə lo̵id′)

noun

any of a number of heterocyclic, colorless, crystalline, bitter organic substances, such as caffeine, morphine, quinine, and strychnine, having alkaline properties and containing nitrogen: they are found in plants and, sometimes, animals, and are used as drugs and stimulants, but can have a strong toxic effect on the human or animal system

Etymology: alkal(i) + -oid

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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