any of a group of nitrogenous basic compounds found in plants, typically insoluble in water and physiologically active. Common examples are morphine, strychnine, quinine, nicotine, and caffeine
alkaloid in American English
(ˈælkəˌlɔɪd)
noun
any of a number of heterocyclic, colorless, crystalline, bitter organic substances, such as caffeine, morphine, quinine, and strychnine, having alkaline properties and containing nitrogen: they are found in plants and, sometimes, animals, and are used as drugs and stimulants, but can have a strong toxic effect on the human or animal system
Derived forms
alkaloidal (ˌalkaˈloidal)
adjective
Word origin
alkali + -oid
alkaloid in the Pharmaceutical Industry
(ælkəlɔɪd)
Word forms: (regular plural) alkaloids
noun
(Pharmaceutical: Ingredients)
Alkaloids are nitrogenous (= containing nitrogen or a nitrogen compound) plant substances,for example, belladonna, ergot, and vinca, used in drugs.
Alkaloids have to be obtained from plants before they are used in medicine.
Belladonna and ergot contain active alkaloids such as atropine and ergotamine.
Alkaloids are nitrogenous plant substances, for example, belladonna, ergot, and vinca, usedin drugs.
Examples of 'alkaloid' in a sentence
alkaloid
The depressive alkaloid scopolamine is produced from the fruit of shrubs in the Andes.
Higgins, Jack A SEASON IN HELL (2003)
It's an alkaloid found naturally in the brain and especially in the pineal body.