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

alkaloidal

ˌal-kə-ˈlȯi-dᵊl 

adjective

Examples of alkaloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Poppy seeds, commonly found in baked goods and pastries, can contain opium alkaloids like morphine and codeine, which are Schedule II drugs banned for military personnel under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. —Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

Cats and other pets, however, cannot quickly metabolize the alkaloid, The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals reports. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Medical 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

alkaloidal

ˌal-kə-ˈlȯid-ᵊl 

adjective