Delphinine

/ˈdɛlfɪniːn/ noun

Definition

A toxic alkaloid extracted from delphinium plants, more potent than delphinin.

Etymology

From delphinium + -ine (chemical suffix). Named and isolated in the mid-19th century as alkaloid chemistry advanced.

Kelly Says

Delphinine is so potent that in medieval times, people didn't understand why delphinium poisoned livestock—they thought it was the plant's 'evil spirit,' not realizing it was a specific chemical compound.

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