Aconin

/ˈækənɪn/ noun

Definition

A poisonous alkaloid compound found in aconite plants, similar to aconitine but distinct in its chemical structure.

Etymology

Derived from aconite, the name of the plant genus Aconitum, combined with the chemical suffix -in used for alkaloid compounds. The plant name comes from Greek akonition, possibly from the city Acone.

Kelly Says

Aconin is one of several deadly alkaloids in monkshood plants—medieval assassins and poisoners had to distinguish between different toxins in the same plant to control their lethality, making poison chemistry an accidental dark science.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.