physostigmine

[ fahy-soh-stig-meen, -min ]
/ ˌfaɪ soʊˈstɪg min, -mɪn /

noun Pharmacology.

an alkaloid, C15H21N3O2, used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to raise the level of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and also as a miotic in glaucoma.

Origin of physostigmine

1860–65; < New Latin Physostigm(a) genus of plants yielding the alkaloid (see physo-, stigma) + -ine2

Words nearby physostigmine

physocele, physoclistous, physogastric, physometra, physopyosalpinx, physostigmine, physostomous, phytanic acid, phytate, phytic acid, phytin

Example sentences from the Web for physostigmine

British Dictionary definitions for physostigmine

physostigmine

physostigmin (ˌfaɪsəʊˈstɪɡmɪn)

/ (ˌfaɪsəʊˈstɪɡmiːn) /

noun

an alkaloid found in the Calabar bean used esp in eye drops to reduce pressure inside the eyeball. Formula: C 15 H 21 N 3 O 2 Also called: eserine

Word Origin for physostigmine

C19: from New Latin Physostigma genus name, from Greek phusa bladder + stigma mark