physostigmine

[ fahy-soh-stig-meen, -min ]

nounPharmacology.
  1. an alkaloid, C15H21N3O2, used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to raise the level of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and also as a miotic in glaucoma.

Origin of physostigmine

1
1860–65; <New Latin Physostigm(a) genus of plants yielding the alkaloid (see physo-, stigma) + -ine2

Words Nearby physostigmine

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British Dictionary definitions for physostigmine

physostigmine

physostigmin (ˌfaɪsəʊˈstɪɡmɪn)

/ (ˌfaɪsəʊˈstɪɡmiːn) /


noun
  1. an alkaloid found in the Calabar bean used esp in eye drops to reduce pressure inside the eyeball. Formula: C 15 H 21 N 3 O 2: Also called: eserine

Origin of physostigmine

1
C19: from New Latin Physostigma genus name, from Greek phusa bladder + stigma mark

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