reserpine

[ res-er-pin, -peen, ruh-sur-pin, -peen ]
/ ˈrɛs ər pɪn, -ˌpin, rəˈsɜr pɪn, -pin /

noun Pharmacology.

an alkaloid, C33H40N2O9, obtained from the root of the rauwolfia, Rauwolfia serpentina, used in the treatment of hypertension.

Origin of reserpine

1950–55; < German Reserpin, equivalent to reserp- (probably irregular < New Latin Rauwolfia serpentina ( Rauwolfia rauwolfia + Late Latin serpentīna, feminine of serpentīnus serpentine1)) + German -in -ine2

British Dictionary definitions for reserpine

reserpine
/ (ˈrɛsəpɪn) /

noun

an insoluble alkaloid, extracted from the roots of the plant Rauwolfia serpentina, used medicinally to lower blood pressure and as a sedative and tranquillizer. Its main adverse effect is mental depression. Formula: C 33 H 40 N 2 O 9

Word Origin for reserpine

C20: from German Reserpin, probably from the New Latin name of the plant