from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Strychnine \Strych"nine\, n. [L. strychnos a kind of nightshade,
Gr. ?: cf. F. strychnine.] (Chem.)
A very poisonous alkaloid resembling brucine, obtained from
various species of plants, especially from species of
{Loganiaceae}, as from the seeds of the St. Ignatius bean
({Strychnos Ignatia}) and from nux vomica. It is obtained as
a white crystalline substance, having a very bitter acrid
taste, and is employed in medicine (chiefly in the form of
the sulphate) as a powerful neurotic stimulant. Called also
{strychnia}, and formerly {strychnina}.
[1913 Webster]