reserpine
noun
re·ser·pine ri-ˈsər-ˌpēn 
-pən
: an alkaloid C33H40N2O9 that is extracted especially from the root of rauwolfias and is used chiefly in the treatment of hypertension and sometimes in the treatment of agitation associated with mental illness (such as schizophrenia)
Word History
Etymology
German Reserpin, probably irregular from New Latin Rauwolfia serpentina, a species of rauwolfia
First Known Use
1952, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
reserpine
noun
re·ser·pine
ri-ˈsər-ˌpēn also ˈres-ər-pən
: an alkaloid C33H40N2O9 extracted especially from the root of rauwolfias and used in the treatment of hypertension, mental illness, and tension states see raudixin, sandril, serpasil