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physostigmine definition

phy·so·stig·mine (fī′sō stig′mēn′, -min)

noun

a colorless or pinkish crystalline alkaloid, CHNO, extracted from the Calabar bean, used in medicine for stimulating intestinal muscles, contracting the pupils of the eyes, etc.

Etymology: < ModL Physostigma, name of the genus including the Calabar bean < Gr physa, a bellows (< IE *phus-, var. of *pu-, *phu-, to blow > L pustula) + stigma, a prick (see stick) + -ine

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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