strychnine

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 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 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 remedies have contained a toxic substance called strychnine, which is also used as a rat poison in higher doses. — Michael Nedelman, CNN, "FDA takes on homeopathic drugs with potential safety risks," 19 Dec. 2017 Nux vomica or nuxvomica is made from the same tree that is the source of strychnine, used to poison rodents and birds. — Maggie Fox, NBC News, "FDA to crack down on ‘snake oil’ homeopathy," 19 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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Last Updated

3 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Strychnine.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strychnine. Accessed 14 December 2019.

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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

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