alkaloid Definition
- 1a group of naturally occurring chemical compounds that contain mostly basic nitrogen atoms
- 2often found in plants and used in medicine, such as morphine and caffeine
Using alkaloid: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "alkaloid" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Quinine is an alkaloid found in the bark of certain trees.
Example
Cocaine is a powerful alkaloid derived from the coca plant.
Example
The painkiller morphine is an alkaloid extracted from opium poppies.
Phrases with alkaloid
Example
Tobacco alkaloids are responsible for the addictive properties of cigarettes.
a group of alkaloids produced by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which can infect rye and other grains
Example
Ergot alkaloids can cause hallucinations and other symptoms when ingested.
a group of alkaloids found in the Madagascar periwinkle plant, used in chemotherapy to treat cancer
Example
Vinca alkaloids are effective against a variety of cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma.
Origins of alkaloid
from French 'alcaloïde', coined by French chemist Antoine Bussy in 1838
Summary: alkaloid in Brief
An 'alkaloid' [ˈælkəlɔɪd] is a naturally occurring chemical compound that contains mostly basic nitrogen atoms. They are often found in plants and used in medicine, such as morphine and caffeine. Alkaloids can be grouped into categories like tobacco alkaloids, ergot alkaloids, and vinca alkaloids, each with their own specific uses and effects.
