Aricin

/ˈærɪsɪn/ noun

Definition

A toxic alkaloid compound extracted from certain plants, particularly from wood of the genus Aricinium, used historically as an insecticide.

Etymology

Derived from the genus name 'Aricinium' plus the chemical suffix '-in,' indicating a pure compound or alkaloid extracted from plant material.

Kelly Says

Before synthetic pesticides, natural plant poisons like aricin were the only tools farmers had—they were often as dangerous to humans as to insects!

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