alkaloid

noun

al·​ka·​loid ˈal-kə-ˌlȯid How to pronounce alkaloid (audio)
: any of numerous usually colorless, complex, and bitter organic bases (such as morphine or caffeine) containing nitrogen and usually oxygen that occur especially in seed plants and are typically physiologically active
alkaloidal adjective

Examples of alkaloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When consumed, the body breaks down the compound into psilocin, an alkaloid that can cause startling visual hallucinations and psychological effects, often including intense introspection. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2025 The most abundant of the psychoactive alkaloids in kratom are mitragynine and speciociliatine, Smith said. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025 These two small molecules are alkaloids that activate receptors in the brain to trigger the main psychoactive effects of magic mushrooms. Joshua Kellogg, The Conversation, 15 Aug. 2025 Researchers suspect the environment may be responsible for the plants’ unexpected return to ancestral alkaloids. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for alkaloid

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkaloid was in 1820

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Cite this Entry

“Alkaloid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkaloid. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

alkaloid

noun
al·​ka·​loid ˈal-kə-ˌlȯid How to pronounce alkaloid (audio)
: any of numerous usually colorless, complex, and bitter organic bases (as morphine or caffeine) containing nitrogen and usually oxygen that occur especially in seed plants and are typically physiologically active
alkaloidal adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on alkaloid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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