Definition

A toxic liquid substance derived from certain plants, used in medicine to stimulate the heart and induce labor.

Example

Sparteine is sometimes used in medical treatments for its effects on the heart.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of sparteine?

No, I haven't. What is it?

It's a liquid alkaloid used in some medicines, especially for heart issues.

That sounds interesting! I wonder how it was discovered.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Sparteine** → The word 'sparteine' originates from the Latin 'sparteum', which refers to a type of plant, specifically the broom plant (genus Spartium). The term is used in chemistry to denote a specific alkaloid derived from this plant. Thus, 'sparteine' refers to a compound associated with the broom plant.

Memory Tip

Think of the broom plant ('sparteum') when you hear 'sparteine', as it directly relates to the alkaloid derived from this plant.

Visually Confused Words