from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Alkaloid \Al"ka*loid\ ([a^]l"k[.a]*loid), Alkaloidal
\Al`ka*loid"al\ ([a^]l`k[.a]*loid"al), a. [Alkali + -oid: cf. F.
alcalo["i]de.]
1. Pertaining to, resembling, or containing, alkali.
[1913 Webster]
2. of or pertaining to alkaloids.
[WordNet 1.5]
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Alkaloid \Al"ka*loid\ ([a^]l"k[.a]*loid), n. (Chem.)
An organic base, especially one of a class of
nitrogen-containing substances occurring ready formed in the
tissues of plants and the bodies of animals.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Alkaloids all contain nitrogen, carbon, and hydrogen,
and many of them also contain oxygen. They include many
of the active principles in plants; thus, morphine and
narcotine are alkaloids found in opium.
[1913 Webster]