from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Quinine \Qui"nine\, n. [F. (cf. Sp. quinina), fr. Sp. quina, or
quinaquina, Peruvian bark, fr. Peruv. kina, quina, bark. Cf.
{Kinic}.] (Chem.)
An alkaloid extracted from the bark of several species of
cinchona (esp. {Cinchona Calisaya}) as a bitter white
crystalline substance, {C20H24N2O2}. Hence, by extension
(Med.), any of the salts of this alkaloid, as the acetate,
chloride, sulphate, etc., employed as a febrifuge or
antiperiodic. Called also {quinia}, {quinina}, etc. [Written
also {chinine}.]
[1913 Webster]