derris Hear it!

derris Definition

der·ris (der′is)

noun

any of a genus (Derris) of woody East Indian plants of the pea family, from whose roots rotenone is extracted

Etymology: ModL < Gr, hide < IE base *der-: see derma

derris Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • root: Rotenone ( an organic insecticide isolated from powdered derris roots ) blocks respiration with all NAD-linked substrates, but leaves succinate oxidation intact.