: a poisonous slightly bitter crystalline compound C15H18O3 found especially in the unopened flower heads of several artemisias (especially Artemisia maritima) and used as an anthelmintic

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from New Latin santonica, from Latin

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of santonin was in 1836

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Cite this Entry

“Santonin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/santonin. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

: a poisonous slightly bitter crystalline compound C15H18O3 found especially in the unopened flower heads of santonicas and used especially formerly as an anthelmintic
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