atropine

noun

at·​ro·​pine ˈa-trə-ˌpēn How to pronounce atropine (audio)
: a racemic mixture of hyoscyamine obtained from any of various solanaceous plants (such as belladonna) and used especially in the form of its sulfate for its anticholinergic effects (such as pupil dilation or inhibition of smooth muscle spasms)

Examples of atropine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Belladonna contains atropine, which blocks cisapride from helping with the motility of your gastrointestinal tract. Mary Choy, Health, 9 Oct. 2024 Children are undergoing treatment with atropine eye drops, which in some reports diminishes the shift toward myopia over time in the school-age years. Gary Stix, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024 There are treatments available to help slow the progression of myopia, including prescription atropine eye drops, special soft disposable contact lenses called MiSight, and hard contacts worn overnight known as orthokeratology, or ortho-K. Maria Godoy, NPR, 13 May 2024 This includes drugs such as atropine, scopolamine, oxybutynin, and benztropine. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 8 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for atropine 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'atropine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German Atropin, from New Latin Atropa, genus name of belladonna, from Greek Atropos, one of the three Fates

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of atropine was in 1820

Dictionary Entries Near atropine

Cite this Entry

“Atropine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atropine. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

atropine

noun
at·​ro·​pine ˈa-trə-ˌpēn How to pronounce atropine (audio)
: a poisonous white compound from belladonna and related plants used especially to relieve spasms and to dilate the pupil of the eye

Medical Definition

atropine

noun
at·​ro·​pine ˈa-trə-ˌpēn How to pronounce atropine (audio)
: a racemic mixture of hyoscyamine usually obtained from belladonna and related plants of the family Solanaceae and used especially in the form of its hydrated sulfate (C17H23NO3)2·H2SO4·H2O for its anticholinergic effects (as relief of smooth muscle spasms or dilation of the pupil of the eye)

More from Merriam-Webster on atropine

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