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

/ ˈætrəˌpiːn; ˈætrəpɪn; -pɪn /

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

Walline, along with collaborators, are working on setting up clinical trials to either prevent or delay the onset of myopia in children, using low-dose atropine eye drops.

From National Geographic

Despite its deadly potential, the nerve-gas antidote atropine sulphate can be extracted from it.

From BBC

On the other hand, atropine and scopolamine are two closely related hallucinogens that are profoundly different than the "classic" psychedelics like psilocybin or DMT.

From Salon

Along with atropine and scopolamine, which induce hallucinations, scientists found ephedrine, which boosts energy and alertness.

From BBC

In higher concentrations, atropine can lead to respiratory failure, paralysis and death.

From New York Times