alkaloid
noun
al·ka·loid
ˈal-kə-ˌlȯid 
: any of numerous usually colorless, complex, and bitter organic bases (such as morphine or caffeine) containing nitrogen and usually oxygen that occur especially in seed plants and are typically physiologically active
Examples of alkaloid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
According to Apolo, theobromine, an alkaloid in the cacao beans used to make chocolate, makes chocolate toxic to canines.
—
Kelli Bender, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024
The venom contains alkaloids that cause intense pain and itching.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
Marquez says his research program is focused on how these frogs (named after the use of their toxin for poison darts by the Embera indigenous people) have evolved to avoid the harmful effects associated with consuming and accumulating toxic alkaloids.
—Andrew Wight, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
Scientists are still learning about its complex effects, which can range from stimulant to sedative and stem from chemical compounds called alkaloids.
—Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alkaloid 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kelli Bender, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024
The venom contains alkaloids that cause intense pain and itching.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 25 Sep. 2024
Marquez says his research program is focused on how these frogs (named after the use of their toxin for poison darts by the Embera indigenous people) have evolved to avoid the harmful effects associated with consuming and accumulating toxic alkaloids.
—Andrew Wight, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
Scientists are still learning about its complex effects, which can range from stimulant to sedative and stem from chemical compounds called alkaloids.
—Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alkaloid
Dictionary Entries Near alkaloid
Cite this Entry
“Alkaloid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkaloid. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
alkaloid
noun
al·ka·loid
ˈal-kə-ˌlȯid
: any of numerous usually colorless, complex, and bitter organic bases (as morphine or caffeine) containing nitrogen and usually oxygen that occur especially in seed plants and are typically physiologically active
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share