Emetin

/ˈɛmətɪn/ noun

Definition

An alternative spelling of emetine, a chemical alkaloid compound found in ipecac root that causes vomiting.

Etymology

From ipecac plant alkaloid name with the suffix '-in' to indicate a chemical compound, an older variant spelling of the more standard 'emetine' form.

Kelly Says

Emetine is toxic in high doses, which is why ipecac—which contains it—used to be given carefully and has largely been abandoned in modern poison treatment in favor of safer methods like activated charcoal.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.