Alkaloid: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฑ
alkaloid
[ หรฆl.kษ.lษษชd ]
chemical compound
Alkaloids are a class of naturally occurring organic compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms. They are mostly found in plants and are known for their pharmacological effects on humans and other animals. Alkaloids can have major therapeutic benefits, but they can also be toxic or addictive. Common examples of alkaloids include caffeine, nicotine, and morphine, each having significant effects on the human body.
Synonyms
alkaloidal compound, nitrogenous base, phytoalkaloid
Examples of usage
- Caffeine is an alkaloid found in coffee and tea.
- Nicotine is an alkaloid that can lead to addiction.
- The alkaloid morphine is derived from the opium poppy and is used for pain relief.
Translations
Translations of the word "alkaloid" in other languages:
๐ต๐น alcaloide
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคฒเฅเคเคฒเฅเคเคก
๐ฉ๐ช Alkaloid
๐ฎ๐ฉ alkaloid
๐บ๐ฆ ะฐะปะบะฐะปะพัะด
๐ต๐ฑ alkaloid
๐ฏ๐ต ใขใซใซใญใคใ
๐ซ๐ท alcaloรฏde
๐ช๐ธ alcaloide
๐น๐ท alkaloid
๐ฐ๐ท ์์นผ๋ก์ด๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ููููุฏ
๐จ๐ฟ alkaloid
๐ธ๐ฐ alkaloid
๐จ๐ณ ็็ฉ็ขฑ
๐ธ๐ฎ alkaloid
๐ฎ๐ธ alkaloid
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะปะบะฐะปะพะธะด
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ alkaloid
๐ฒ๐ฝ alcaloide
Etymology
The word 'alkaloid' originates from the French term ' alcaloรฏde', which was derived from the Arabic 'al-qaly', meaning 'the ashes of saltwort'. In the early 19th century, chemists began to isolate these plant compounds, noting their alkaline properties and nitrogen content. The term was first used in its current context around 1818. Alkaloids have since earned significant attention in both medicinal and agricultural fields, leading to vast research into their structures and uses. Throughout history, various cultures have utilized alkaloid-containing plants for psychoactive effects, illustrating their importance in traditional medicine and rituals.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #18,399, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 18396 groundless
- 18397 compatriots
- 18398 inundated
- 18399 alkaloid
- 18400 mowing
- 18401 implored
- 18402 idealist
- ...