veratrum
/vɪˈrætrəm/Definitions
1. noun
A genus of flowering plants of the family Melanthiaceae, native to North America.
“The veratrum plant is a common sight in the Pacific Northwest’s wetlands.”
2. noun
A toxic alkaloid derived from the veratrum plant, used as a heart stimulant.
“The doctor carefully administered the veratrum to the patient to regulate their heart rate.”