alkaloid

noun

al·​ka·​loid ˈal-kə-ˌlȯid How to pronounce alkaloid (audio)
: 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 adjective

Examples of alkaloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 What is High-Potency Kratom High-potency kratom refers to strains with elevated concentrations of key alkaloids. Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2024 These include flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, quinones, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 21 Dec. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for alkaloid 

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alkaloid was in 1820

Dictionary Entries Near alkaloid

Cite this Entry

“Alkaloid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alkaloid. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

alkaloid

noun
al·​ka·​loid ˈal-kə-ˌlȯid How to pronounce alkaloid (audio)
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on alkaloid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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