strychnine

noun

strych·nine | \ ˈstrik-ˌnīn

, -nən, -ˌnēn \

Definition of strychnine

: a bitter poisonous alkaloid C₂₁H₂₂N₂O₂ that is obtained from nux vomica and related plants (genus Strychnos) and is used as a poison (as for rodents) and medicinally as a stimulant of the central nervous system

Examples of strychnine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The US Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday announced a crackdown on four homeopathic companies selling injectable products said to contain highly toxic substances, including lead, mercury, deadly nightshade, and strychnine. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Homeopaths sell injections containing strychnine, lead, mercury. Seriously," 16 June 2020 The Eberle brothers had dynamite for blowing up railroad bridges, and strychnine to poison the food and water that rebel wives would offer to investigating lawmen. — Trevor Paulhus, Smithsonian, "When the Socialist Revolution Came to Oklahoma—and Was Crushed," 19 Sep. 2019 Taking stimulants was an accepted practice when Thomas Hicks won the 1904 Olympic marathon race — and almost died — after a mixture of brandy and strychnine got him to the finish line. — Grant Clark And Henry Meyer | Bloomberg, Washington Post, "Sport, Drugs and Cheating," 9 Dec. 2019 Much of Christie’s unwaning appeal relies on incongruity—maleficence emerging in the most genteel of contexts, like strychnine in the tea—whereas the Thrombeys make no pretense of decency. — Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, "Pastiche and Politics in “Knives Out”," 22 Nov. 2019 Meanwhile the Eberle brothers were recruiting their relatives to the WCU, urging people not to register for the draft, and stashing ammunition, strychnine and dynamite. — Trevor Paulhus, Smithsonian, "When the Socialist Revolution Came to Oklahoma—and Was Crushed," 19 Sep. 2019 There were reports of stimulants like cocaine and strychnine to keep competitors alert. — Todd Balf, Outside Online, "Why Haven't You Heard of Marshall "Major" Taylor?," 19 Apr. 2018 Other dangerous ingredients used in homeopathy products include nux vomica, which contains strychnine. — Maria Clark, NOLA.com, "Beetle genitals could hold key to better medical tools: report," 20 Dec. 2017 Other dangerous ingredients used in homeopathy products include nux vomica, which contains strychnine. — Maria Clark, NOLA.com, "Beetle genitals could hold key to better medical tools: report," 20 Dec. 2017

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

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“Strychnine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strychnine. Accessed 9 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for strychnine

strychnine

noun

English Language Learners Definition of strychnine

: a poisonous substance that can be used in very small amounts as a medicine

See the full definition for strychnine in the English Language Learners Dictionary

strychnine

noun

strych·nine | \ ˈstrik-ˌnīn

, -nən

, -ˌnēn

Medical Definition of strychnine

: a bitter poisonous alkaloid C₂₁H₂₂N₂O₂ that is obtained from nux vomica and related plants of the genus Strychnos and is used as a poison (as for rodents) and medicinally as a stimulant of the central nervous system