atropine

noun

at·​ro·​pine ˈa-trə-ˌpēn How to pronounce atropine (audio)
: a racemic mixture of hyoscyamine obtained from any of various solanaceous plants (such as belladonna) and used especially in the form of its sulfate for its anticholinergic effects (such as pupil dilation or inhibition of smooth muscle spasms)

Examples of atropine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But there was no anesthesia, no adrenaline and no atropine to support her heart function. Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 18 Jan. 2024 The team around him injected the fetus with epinephrine, then atropine. Megan Molteni, STAT, 21 Feb. 2024 In recent years, there have been several developments including novel spectacles and contact lenses that stop the eyeball from growing too long, and a pharmacological option, atropine eye drops. Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 2 Feb. 2024 This includes various cancer drugs, such as methotrexate; antibiotics, such as penicillin and clindamycin; pain medications, such as morphine and lidocaine; and cardiac medication, such as atropine and digoxin. Gabrielle M. Etzel, Washington Examiner, 8 Sep. 2023 Then there’s atropine—a muscle relaxant derived from the toxic nightshade and mandrake plants. Amit Katwala, WIRED, 22 Aug. 2023 In higher concentrations, atropine can lead to respiratory failure, paralysis and death. Andrew Jacobs, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2023 Analysis also detected atropine and scopolamine — both are psychoactive compounds that can cause disorientation, sensory disruption and vivid hallucinations, researchers reported Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports. Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 10 Apr. 2023 While that sounds innocent enough, Datura stramonium, as it is known in the scientific world, belongs to the deadly nightshade family and contains high levels of anti-cholinergic alkaloids such as scopolamine, hyoscyamine and atropine. Matt Kaplan, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2015

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'atropine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German Atropin, from New Latin Atropa, genus name of belladonna, from Greek Atropos, one of the three Fates

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of atropine was in 1820

Dictionary Entries Near atropine

Cite this Entry

“Atropine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atropine. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

atropine

noun
at·​ro·​pine ˈa-trə-ˌpēn How to pronounce atropine (audio)
: a poisonous white compound from belladonna and related plants used especially to relieve spasms and to dilate the pupil of the eye

Medical Definition

atropine

noun
at·​ro·​pine ˈa-trə-ˌpēn How to pronounce atropine (audio)
: a racemic mixture of hyoscyamine usually obtained from belladonna and related plants of the family Solanaceae and used especially in the form of its hydrated sulfate (C17H23NO3)2·H2SO4·H2O for its anticholinergic effects (as relief of smooth muscle spasms or dilation of the pupil of the eye)

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