Main Entry: re·ser·pine

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈsər-ˌpēn, -pən\

Function: noun

Etymology: German Reserpin, probably irregular from New Latin Rauwolfia serpentina, a species of rauwolfia

Date: 1952

: an alkaloid C₃₃H₄₀N₂O₉ extracted especially from the root of rauwolfias and used as a tranquilizer especially in psychotic states (as schizophrenia) and as an antihypertensive