physostigma venenosum

4 definitions found

physostigma venenosum - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Physostigmine \Phy`so*stig"mine\, n. (Chem.)
     An alkaloid found in the Calabar bean (the seed of
     Physostigma venenosum), and extracted as a white,
     tasteless, substance, amorphous or crystalline; -- formerly
     called eserine, with which it was regarded as identical.
     [1913 Webster]

  Calabar \Cal"a*bar\, n.
     A district on the west coast of Africa.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Calabar bean, The of a climbing legumious plant
        (Physostigma venenosum), a native of tropical Africa. It
        is highly poisonous. It is used to produce contraction of
        the pupil of the eye; also in tetanus, neuralgia, and
        rheumatic diseases; -- called also ordeal bean, being
        used by the negroes in trials for witchcraft.
        [1913 Webster]

  Eserine \Es"er*ine\ (?; 104), n. [From native name of the
     Calabar bean: cf. F. ['e]s['e]rine.] (Chem.)
     An alkaloid found in the Calabar bean, and the seed of
     Physostigma venenosum; physostigmine. It is used in
     ophthalmic surgery for its effect in contracting the pupil.
     [1913 Webster]

physostigma venenosum - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  Physostigma venenosum
      n 1: tropical African woody vine yielding calabar beans [syn:
           calabar-bean vine, Physostigma venenosum]