atropine

[ a-truh-peen, -pin ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a poisonous crystalline alkaloid, C 17 H 23 NO 3 , obtained from belladonna and other plants of the nightshade family, that prevents the response of various body structures to certain types of nerve stimulation: used chiefly to relieve spasms, to lessen secretions, and, topically, to dilate the pupil of the eye.

atropine

/ -pɪn; ˈætrəˌpiːn; ˈætrəpɪn /

noun

1. a poisonous alkaloid obtained from deadly nightshade, having an inhibitory action on the autonomic nervous system. It is used medicinally in pre-anaesthetic medication, to speed a slow heart rate, and as an emergency first-aid counter to exposure to chemical warfare nerve agents. Formula: C 17 H 23 NO 3

atropine

/ ăt′rə-pēn′,-pĭn /

1. A poisonous, bitter, crystalline alkaloid derived from deadly nightshade and related plants. It is used as a drug to dilate the pupils of the eye and to inhibit muscle spasms. Chemical formula: C 17 H 23 NO 3 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of atropine¹

1830–40; < New Latin Atrop ( a ) belladonna genus (< Greek átropos; Atropos ) + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of atropine¹

C19: from New Latin atropa deadly nightshade, from Greek atropos unchangeable, inflexible; see Atropos

Example Sentences

Victims were treated with atropine, which was somewhat successful in combatting the symptoms.

From The Daily Beast

In 1832 Robiquet discovered codeine; and in 1833 atropine, aconitine, and hyoscyamine were distinguished by Geiger and Hesse.

From Project Gutenberg

Atropine can be formed by uniting tropine and tropic acid, the two decomposition products already noted.

From Project Gutenberg

Visual acuteness on both sides 5/12, the left slightly better than the right; emmetropia in mydriasis by atropine.

From Project Gutenberg

If there be a tendency to convergence, glasses should be worn and atropine used.

From Project Gutenberg

Other salts of Atropine are not described because used substantially like the above.

From Project Gutenberg