brucine

[ broo-seen, -sin ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, bitter, slightly water-soluble, very poisonous alkaloid, C 23 H 26 N 2 O 4 , obtained from the nux vomica tree Strychnos nux-vomica, and from other species of the same genus, resembling but not as powerful as strychnine in its pharmacological action: used chiefly in the denaturation of alcohol.

brucine

/ -sin; ˈbruːsiːn /

noun

1. bitter poisonous alkaloid resembling strychnine and obtained from the tree Strychnos nuxvomica : used mainly in the denaturation of alcohol. Formula: C 23 H 26 N 2 O 4

Word History and Origins

Origin of brucine¹

1815–25; named after J. Bruce (1730–94), Scottish explorer; -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of brucine¹

C19: named after James Bruce (1730–94), Scottish explorer of Africa

Example Sentences

It is also obtained as a decomposition product of brucine or strychnine, when these alkaloids are distilled with zinc dust.

From Project Gutenberg

Strychnine is found in them in the proportion of ½–1½ and brucine ½%–1.4%.

From Project Gutenberg

It bears an orange-like fruit, containing seeds that have an intensely bitter taste, owing to the presence of two most energetic poisons, strychnine and brucine.

From Project Gutenberg

It gives a red colour with brucine, turns the green sulphate of iron black, and with hydrochloric acid dissolves gold.

From Project Gutenberg

It is already done," he said; "brucine is no longer employed, but a simple narcotic!

From Project Gutenberg