veratrine

2 definitions found

veratrine - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Sabadilla \Sab`a*dil"la\ (s[a^]b`[.a]*d[i^]l"l[.a]), n. [Sp.
     cebadilla.] (Bot.)
     A Mexican liliaceous plant (Schoenocaulon officinale);
     also, its seeds, which contain the alkaloid veratrine. It
     was formerly used in medicine as an emetic and purgative.
     [1913 Webster]

  Veratrine \Ve*ra"trine\ (?; 277), n. [Cf. F. v['e]ratrine. See
     Veratrum.] (Chem.)
     A poisonous alkaloid obtained from the root of hellebore
     (Veratrum) and from sabadilla seeds as a white crystalline
     powder, having an acrid, burning taste. It is sometimes used
     externally, as in ointments, in the local treatment of
     neuralgia and rheumatism. Called also veratria, and
     veratrina.
     [1913 Webster]