muscarine

noun

mus·​ca·​rine ˈmə-skə-ˌrēn How to pronounce muscarine (audio)
: a toxic alkaloid base [C9H20NO2]+ that is biochemically related to acetylcholine, is found especially in fly agaric, and acts directly on smooth muscle

Examples of muscarine 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.
The latter aspect is due to two compounds: ibotenic acid and muscimol, with muscarine (first discovered in 1869) most likely responsible for some of the more unpleasant side effects. Jennifer Ouellette, Wired, 21 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

German Muskarin, from New Latin (Amanita) muscaria fly agaric

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of muscarine was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near muscarine

Cite this Entry

“Muscarine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muscarine. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

muscarine

noun
mus·​ca·​rine ˈməs-kə-ˌrēn How to pronounce muscarine (audio)
: a toxic ammonium base [C9H20NO2]+ that is biochemically related to acetylcholine, was originally extracted from fly agaric but also occurs in other mushrooms (as of the genus Inocybe), and when ingested produces symptoms of parasympathetic nervous system stimulation (as excessive salivation, lacrimation, bronchial secretion, diarrhea, miosis, and bradycardia)

More from Merriam-Webster on muscarine

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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