alkaloid
nounmasculinetécnico/ɐɫkɐˈlɔjdɨ/medium
al·ca·loi·de
Definition
A nitrogenous organic compound of plant origin, often with active physiological properties, typically toxic or medicinal.
Caffeine is a well-known alkaloid found in coffee beans.
The alkaloids in this plant have potent pharmacological effects.
Common collocations
plant alkaloidtoxic alkaloidalkaloid contentalkaloid extraction
Etymology
Do francês 'alcaloïde', por sua vez do árabe 'al-qalī' (cinza de plantas) e do grego 'eîdos' (forma).