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
Berberine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in various plants.
—
New Atlas, 3 Mar. 2025
Black Pepper Black pepper includes piperine, an alkaloid that acts as an antioxidant and may have potential fat-reducing effects.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2025
Tomatoes contain alkaloids like solanine, which may trigger an inflammatory response in some individuals.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 3 Feb. 2025
Some wellness businesses are using them anyway Oct. 3, 2024
The cactus contains a spectrum of psychoactive alkaloids, the primary one being the hallucinogen mescaline, and is coveted for those psychedelic properties.
—Deepa Bharath and Jessie Wardarski, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 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.
New Atlas, 3 Mar. 2025
Black Pepper Black pepper includes piperine, an alkaloid that acts as an antioxidant and may have potential fat-reducing effects.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2025
Tomatoes contain alkaloids like solanine, which may trigger an inflammatory response in some individuals.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 3 Feb. 2025
Some wellness businesses are using them anyway Oct. 3, 2024
The cactus contains a spectrum of psychoactive alkaloids, the primary one being the hallucinogen mescaline, and is coveted for those psychedelic properties.
—Deepa Bharath and Jessie Wardarski, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for alkaloid
Cite this Entry
“Alkaloid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkaloid. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
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