oxyacanthine

noun

oxy·​acan·​thine
ˌäksēəˈkanˌthēn,
-an(t)thə̇n
: a bitter crystalline alkaloid C37H40N2O6 obtained from barberry root

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary oxyacanth- (from New Latin oxyacantha —specific epithet of the hawthorn Crataegus oxyacantha —, from Greek oxyakantha sharp thorn, from oxy- oxy- + akantha thorn) + -ine; probably originally formed as German oxyakanthin

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near oxyacanthine

Cite this Entry

“Oxyacanthine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxyacanthine. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!