Definition

A toxic substance derived from the hemlock plant, known for its strong smell and bitter taste, which can cause paralysis of the nerves.

Example

Conine is a dangerous alkaloid that can be found in hemlock and should be handled with extreme caution.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of conine?

No, I haven't. What is it?

It's actually a really poisonous substance from hemlock.

Wow, that sounds dangerous! I’ll steer clear of that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Conine is derived from the Latin word 'conium' (meaning hemlock), which refers to a toxic plant. The suffix '-ine' is used in chemistry to denote substances derived from a particular source. Therefore, conine refers to a chemical compound derived from hemlock.

Memory Tip

Think of 'conium' as the source of conine, which helps you remember that conine is a substance derived from the hemlock plant.

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