Definition

A toxic substance derived from certain plants, used in medicine to widen the pupils of the eyes and to relieve muscle spasms.

Example

The doctor administered atropine to help with the patient's muscle spasms.

Conversation

Did you know that atropine is used to dilate your pupils during eye exams?

Really? I always thought it was just some fancy medicine.

Yeah, it comes from the belladonna plant, which is pretty interesting!

That’s cool! I guess nature has its own way of helping us out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Atropine is derived from 'Atropa' (the name of a genus of plants in the nightshade family, specifically referring to Atropa belladonna) and the suffix '-ine' (used in chemistry to denote substances). The name 'Atropa' comes from the Greek 'Atropos' (meaning the unchangeable), one of the three Fates in Greek mythology who cut the thread of life. Thus, atropine is a substance derived from a plant associated with life and death.

Memory Tip

Think of 'Atropa' as a reference to a plant linked to life and death, and remember that 'atropine' is a substance derived from this plant.

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