digitalis n 1: a powerful cardiac stimulant obtained from foxglove [syn: {digitalis}, {digitalis glycoside}, {digitalin}] 2: any of several plants of the genus Digitalis [syn: {foxglove}, {digitalis}]
Digitalis \Dig`i*ta"lis\, n. [NL.: cf. F. digitale. So named (according to Linn[ae]us) from its finger-shaped corolla.] 1. (Bot.) A genus of plants of the family {Schrophulariaceae}, including the foxglove. [1913 Webster] 2. (Med.) The dried leaves of the purple foxglove ({Digitalis purpurea}), formerly used in heart disease, disturbance of the circulation, etc. Its use has been largely replaced by that of the pure active ingredient, {digitalin}. See {digitalin}. [1913 Webster]