Conchinine

/kɒŋˈkaɪniːn/ noun

Definition

A chemical alkaloid or organic compound extracted from or found in conch shells.

Etymology

From 'conch' with the suffix '-inine' (indicating an alkaloid). Related to conchinin in biochemical terminology.

Kelly Says

Alkaloids like conchinine fascinate chemists because some alkaloids are poisons while others are medicines—isolating compounds from shells could unlock new drugs, which is why marine biologists are basically underwater pharmacists.

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