curare

noun cu·ra·re \ kyu̇-ˈrär-ē , ku̇- \

variants: or less commonly curari

Definition of curare

1 : a complex poison of South American Indians used on arrow tips that causes muscle relaxation and paralysis, includes various substances of plant and animal origin, and typically contains an alkaloid extracted from one of two South American vines (Strychnos toxifera of the family Loganiaceae or Chondodendron tomentosum of the family Menispermaceae) as the primary active ingredient

2 : an extract containing one of the primary alkaloid constituents (such as tubocurarine) of curare

See curare defined for kids

Recent Examples of curare from the Web

Awareness became a clinical problem in the 1940s with the introduction of the paralyzing drug curare.

— henry marsh, New York Times, "What Happens When You Go Under," 3 Jan. 2018
Poison frogs, also known as poison dart frogs, belong to a diverse group that is commonly associated with curare and other toxins, with which indigenous people have historically laced their hunting spears.

— National Geographic, "New Poisonous Frog Species Discovered in Peru," 18 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'curare.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of curare

Portuguese & Spanish curare, from Carib kurari

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1777

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

curare

noun cu·ra·re

variants: also curari play \k(y)u̇-ˈrär-ē\

medical Definition of curare

: a dried aqueous extract especially of a vine (as Strychnos toxifera of the family Loganiaceae or Chondodendron tomentosum of the family Menispermaceae) that produces muscle relaxation and is used in arrow poisons by South American Indians — compare tubocurarine