SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

pilocarpine

noun
Save Word
pi·​lo·​car·​pine | \ ˌpī-lə-ˈkär-ˌpēn How to pronounce pilocarpine (audio) \

Definition of pilocarpine

: a miotic alkaloid C11H16N2O2 obtained from jaborandi that is used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride or nitrate especially in the treatment of glaucoma

Examples of pilocarpine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Immediately after the skin had been exposed to the pilocarpine, the scientists swapped the patches for small spiral-shape discs designed to absorb the resulting perspiration. — Gretchen Reynolds, New York Times, "How Tattoos Might Affect Your Workout," 26 July 2017

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

First Known Use of pilocarpine

1875, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pilocarpine

International Scientific Vocabulary, from New Latin Pilocarpus jaborandi, species of tropical shrubs

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about pilocarpine

Time Traveler for pilocarpine

Time Traveler

The first known use of pilocarpine was in 1875

See more words from the same year

Statistics for pilocarpine

Cite this Entry

“Pilocarpine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pilocarpine. Accessed 27 Jan. 2021.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for pilocarpine

pilocarpine

noun
pi·​lo·​car·​pine | \ ˌpī-lə-ˈkär-ˌpēn How to pronounce pilocarpine (audio) \

Medical Definition of pilocarpine

: a miotic muscarinic alkaloid that is obtained from jaborandi and is used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride C11H16N2O2·HCl or nitrate C11H16N2O2·HNO3 especially in the treatment of glaucoma and xerostomia

More from Merriam-Webster on pilocarpine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pilocarpine

Comments on pilocarpine

What made you want to look up pilocarpine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

itinerant

Listen to the pronunciation of itinerant

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times

  • ducreux self portrait yawning
  • What is an earlier meaning of nice?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games