A variant or alternative spelling of curare, a toxic plant extract traditionally used by indigenous South American peoples on arrows and blowgun darts.
From Tupi (indigenous South American language) kurare or similar indigenous terms. Early European colonizers encountered this poison and attempted various spellings before settling on 'curare,' though regional variants like 'curace' persisted.
Curare is one of history's most fascinating poisons—totally paralyzed muscle but was completely safe to eat since it only works injected into the bloodstream. Modern doctors use curare derivatives as surgical anesthetics, turning indigenous hunting poison into lifesaving medicine.
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