Definition

A type of alkaloid derived from the plant Gelsemium, known for its toxic properties and potential medicinal uses.

Example

Gelsemia is often studied for its effects on the nervous system.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of gelsemia?

No, I haven't. What is it?

It's actually a type of plant that has some medicinal properties.

That's interesting! I love learning about different plants.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gelsemia is derived from the genus name 'Gelsemium', which comes from the Italian word 'gelsomino' (meaning jasmine) and the Latin 'gelsomium'. The name refers to a flowering plant known for its beautiful yellow flowers and is often associated with the jasmine family. The suffix '-ia' is commonly used in botanical nomenclature to denote a genus or species. Thus, 'gelsemia' refers to a plant related to jasmine.

Memory Tip

Think of 'gelsomino', which means jasmine, to remember that 'gelsemia' refers to a plant related to jasmine.

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