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aconite

noun ac·o·nite \ ˈa-kə-ˌnīt \

Definition of aconite

1 : monkshood

2 : the dried poisonous tuberous root of a common monkshood (Aconitum napellus) used especially formerly for its medicinal properties (as in relieving pain)

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Origin and Etymology of aconite

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin aconītum, borrowed from Greek akónīton, perhaps of pre-Greek substratal origin

Note: The notion in late antiquity that the word was derived from Greek akonit́ī "without dust," hence, "without a struggle, effortless," referring to the efficacy of the poison, is fanciful.

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1548

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Medical Dictionary

aconite

noun ac·o·nite \ ˈak-ə-ˌnīt \

medical Definition of aconite

1 : monkshood

2 : the dried tuberous root of a monkshood (Aconitum napellus) formerly used as a cardiac and respiratory sedative

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BROWSE DICTIONARY

aconital

aconitate

aconite

aconite violet

aconitia

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