Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
strophanthin

strophanthin

9.9
A poisonous substance from a plant used in small amounts to help the heart
  • noun
  • /strəˈfænθɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : estrofantina
  • The doctor prescribed strophanthin to improve heart function.

Examples

  • Native hunters once used extracts containing strophanthin to poison their arrows.

  • Researchers study the effects of strophanthin on heart muscle contractions.

  • The doctor explained that strophanthin could be dangerous if not administered properly.

  • In large quantities, strophanthin can be lethal.

  • Native hunters once used extracts containing strophanthin to poison their arrows.

  • Researchers study the effects of strophanthin on heart muscle contractions.

  • The doctor explained that strophanthin could be dangerous if not administered properly.

Synonyms

cardiac glucoside
vsstrophanthin
  • Specialized
5.4

A medicine from some plants that makes a weak heart beat stronger

is a specific highly toxic plant compound used as a poison in larger doses

How Toxic

strophanthin
  • Specialized
9.9
plant toxin
  • Specialized
4.6

Surface Forms

strophanthin singular
strophanthins plural

Morphology

strophanthin = Strophanthus (opaque) = strophanth + in

The name is formed from a botanical genus plus the chemical suffix '-in'; without knowledge of the genus or chemical naming conventions the meaning is not predictable for average learners.

Etymology

The word strophanthin comes from the plant name Strophanthus, made from Greek strophos 'twist' and anthos 'flower' plus the chemical ending -in. Think of a 'twisted flower' that makes a very strong plant chemical; that image helps you remember strophanthin is a bitter, toxic substance used in small amounts as a heart medicine and in larger doses as a poison.