tubocurarine

noun tu·bo·cu·ra·rine \ ˌtü-bō-kyu̇-ˈrär-ən , ˌtyü- , -ˌēn \

Definition of tubocurarine

: a toxic alkaloid obtained chiefly from the bark and stems of a South American vine (Chondrodendron tomentosum of the family Menispermaceae) that in its dextrorotatory form constitutes the chief active constituent of curare and has been used in the form of its hydrated hydrochloride C₃₇H₄₁ClN₂O₆·HCl·5H₂0 as a relaxant of skeletal muscle especially as an adjunct to anesthesia in surgery

Origin and Etymology of tubocurarine

International Scientific Vocabulary tubo- (from Latin tubus tube) + curare + -ine; from its being shipped in sections of hollow bamboo

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1898

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

tubocurarine

noun tu·bo·cu·ra·rine \ ˌt(y)ü-bō-kyu̇-ˈrär-ən, -ˌēn \

medical Definition of tubocurarine

: a toxic alkaloid that is obtained chiefly from the bark and stems of a South American vine (Chondrodendron tomentosum of the family Menispermaceae), that in its dextrorotatory form constitutes the chief active constituent of curare, and that is used in the form of its hydrated hydrochloride C₃₇H₄₁ClN₂O₆·HCl·5H₂O especially as a skeletal muscle relaxant