picrotoxin

noun pic·ro·tox·in \ ˌpi-krō-ˈtäk-sən \

Definition of picrotoxin

: a poisonous bitter crystalline stimulant and convulsive substance C₃₀H₃₄O₁₃ obtained from the berry of a southeast Asian vine (Anamirta cocculus) and used intravenously as an antidote for barbiturate poisoning

Origin and Etymology of picrotoxin

International Scientific Vocabulary

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1815

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

picrotoxin

noun pic·ro·tox·in \ ˌpik-rō-ˈtäk-sən \

medical Definition of picrotoxin

: a poisonous bitter crystalline principle C₃₀H₃₄O₁₃ found especially in cocculus that is a compound of picrotoxinin and picrotin and is a stimulant and convulsant drug administered intravenously as an antidote for poisoning by overdoses of barbiturates