Strychnine
n.
A very poisonous alkaloid resembling brucine, obtained from various species of plants, especially from species of Loganiaceæ , 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 .
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