Atropic

/əˈtrɒpɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or containing atropine, a powerful drug found in nightshade plants that affects the nervous system and muscles.

Etymology

Derived from Atropa (the nightshade genus) + '-ic' suffix. Atropa itself references Atropos from Greek mythology, the Fate who cuts the thread of life.

Kelly Says

Atropine is a paradoxical drug: in tiny doses it's used to treat poisoning and dilate eyes for eye exams, but it was one of the first poisons that detective fiction writers loved because it causes delirium, paralysis, and stops the heart—invisible and untraceable.

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