Definition

A type of organic compound that often has a bitter taste and contains nitrogen. These compounds are usually found in plants and can have strong effects on the body, sometimes being used for medicine or having toxic properties.

Example

Caffeine is a well-known alkaloid found in coffee and tea.

Conversation

Have you heard about the alkaloid found in some plants?

Yeah, I read that they can have really interesting effects on the body.

Exactly! Some of them are even used in medicine.

It's fascinating how nature can produce substances like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Alkaloid is formed from "alkali" (from Arabic *al-qaly*, meaning the ashes of saltwort plants) and the suffix "-oid" (meaning resembling or like). The term refers to compounds that are similar to alkalis, often found in plants and having significant physiological effects.

Memory Tip

Think of 'alkali' as something that resembles a base or has basic properties, and remember that 'alkaloid' refers to compounds that have similar characteristics.

Visually Confused Words