Definition

A chemical substance derived from a plant, used in medicine to help with conditions like glaucoma by increasing saliva production and causing sweating.

Example

The doctor prescribed pilocarpine to help manage the patient's glaucoma.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of pilocarpine?

Yeah, I think it's used for treating glaucoma, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how it can also promote sweating and salivation.

I know, it's fascinating what some plants can do for our health.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pilocarpine is derived from 'pilo-' (from Latin 'pilus', meaning hair) and 'carpine' (from Greek 'karpos', meaning fruit). The name reflects the plant's hairy leaves and its use in stimulating salivary secretion, akin to the fruit's ripening process.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hair' ('pilo-') and 'fruit' ('carpine') to remember that pilocarpine comes from a plant with hairy leaves that helps stimulate secretion, much like how fruit ripens.

Visually Confused Words