Cinchonicine

/sɪŋkəˈnɪsaɪn/ noun

Definition

A specific alkaloid compound found in or derived from cinchona bark, related to cinchonidine and other cinchona alkaloids.

Etymology

From cinchona + -icine (variant of -icin, an alkaloid suffix), indicating a naturally-derived basic organic compound. The -ine suffix is common in alkaloid chemistry (morphine, nicotine, caffeine) to indicate nitrogen-containing compounds.

Kelly Says

Many plant-based drugs end in -ine: morphine from poppies, strychnine from nuts, nicotine from tobacco—so 'cinchonicine' uses a pattern that immediately signals to chemists 'this is a basic nitrogen compound from a plant source.'

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