abrin

noun

ˈābrən,
ˈa-,
-(ˌ)brin;
āˈbrin,
aˈb-
plural -s
: a toxic protein obtained from jequirity

Word History

Etymology

abr- (from New Latin Abrus, genus name of Abrus precatorius rosary pea, borrowed from Arabic abrūz, afrūz "rosary pea," earlier, a name for Amaranthus tricolor) + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abrin was in 1884

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near abrin

Cite this Entry

“Abrin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abrin. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!