tubocurarine

noun

tu·​bo·​cu·​ra·​rine ˌtü-bō-kyu̇-ˈrär-ən 

ˌtyü-,

-ˌēn

: a toxic alkaloid obtained chiefly from the bark and stems of a South American vine (Chondrodendron tomentosum of the family Menispermaceae) that in its dextrorotatory form constitutes the chief active constituent of curare and has been used in the form of its hydrated hydrochloride C₃₇H₄₁ClN₂O₆·HCl·5H₂0 as a relaxant of skeletal muscle especially as an adjunct to anesthesia in surgery

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary tubo- (from Latin tubus tube) + curare + -ine; from its being shipped in sections of hollow bamboo

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tubocurarine

noun

tu·​bo·​cu·​ra·​rine ˌt(y)ü-bō-kyu̇-ˈrär-ən, -ˌēn 

: a toxic alkaloid that is obtained chiefly from the bark and stems of a South American vine (Chondrodendron tomentosum of the family Menispermaceae), that in its dextrorotatory form constitutes the chief active constituent of curare, and that is used in the form of its hydrated hydrochloride C₃₇H₄₁ClN₂O₆·HCl·5H₂O especially as a skeletal muscle relaxant