pilocarpine

[ pahy-luh-kahr-peen, -pin, pil-uh- ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. an oil or crystalline alkaloid, C 1 1 H 1 6 N 2 O 2 , obtained from jaborandi, and used chiefly to produce sweating, promote the flow of saliva, contract the pupil of the eye, and for glaucoma.

pilocarpine

/ ˌpaɪləʊˈkɑːpaɪn; -pɪn; ˌpaɪləʊˈkɑːpɪn /

noun

1. an alkaloid extracted from the leaves of the jaborandi tree, formerly used to induce sweating. Formula: C 11 H 16 N 2 O 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilocarpine¹

1870–75; < New Latin Pilocarp ( us ) name of the genus of shrubs which includes jaborandi (< Greek pîlo ( s ) felt, wool or hair made into felt + -o- -o- + -karpos -carp ) + -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilocarpine¹

C19: from New Latin Pilocarpus genus name, from Greek pilos hair + karpos fruit

Example Sentences

The drops, meant to be used once a day, contain a drug called pilocarpine that contracts the pupil to create the pinhole effect, limiting extraneous light rays from entering the eye with their extraneous information.

From Washington Post

Several of the drops, including Vuity, shrink pupils with the same active ingredient: a drug called pilocarpine with a long history as a treatment for glaucoma.

From Scientific American

These patches contained pilocarpine nitrate, a substance that initiates sweating.

From New York Times

Lastly, pilocarpine may be thrown into the tissues in sufficient doses to procure its vigorous physiological action.

From Project Gutenberg

I do not believe in administering pilocarpine to assist the sweating.

From Project Gutenberg