alkaloid

noun

al·​ka·​loid ˈal-kə-ˌlȯid How to pronounce alkaloid (audio)
: any of numerous usually colorless, complex, and bitter organic bases (such as morphine or caffeine) containing nitrogen and usually oxygen that occur especially in seed plants and are typically physiologically active
alkaloidal adjective

Examples of alkaloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to Apolo, theobromine, an alkaloid in the cacao beans used to make chocolate, makes chocolate toxic to canines. Kelli Bender, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024 The venom contains alkaloids that cause intense pain and itching. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024 Marquez says his research program is focused on how these frogs (named after the use of their toxin for poison darts by the Embera indigenous people) have evolved to avoid the harmful effects associated with consuming and accumulating toxic alkaloids. Andrew Wight, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024 Scientists are still learning about its complex effects, which can range from stimulant to sedative and stem from chemical compounds called alkaloids. Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alkaloid 

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkaloid was in 1820

Dictionary Entries Near alkaloid

Cite this Entry

“Alkaloid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkaloid. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

alkaloid

noun
al·​ka·​loid ˈal-kə-ˌlȯid How to pronounce alkaloid (audio)
: any of numerous usually colorless, complex, and bitter organic bases (as morphine or caffeine) containing nitrogen and usually oxygen that occur especially in seed plants and are typically physiologically active
alkaloidal adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on alkaloid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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