vasicine

noun

vas·​i·​cine
ˈvasəˌsēn,
-azə-
plural -s
: a crystalline alkaloid C11H12N2O that is found in the leaves of the Malabar nut and seeds of the harmal and is thought to poison lower plants and animals but not higher animals

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary vasic- (from New Latin vasica —specific epithet of the Malabar nut Adhatoda vasica —, from Sanskrit vāsikā, vāsaka Malabar nut, from vāsayati it perfumes, makes fragrant) + -ine

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Cite this Entry

“Vasicine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vasicine. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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