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.”

Synonyms

  • false hellebore
  • veratrum alkaloid

Antonyms

  • cardiac depressant