alkaloid

Definition

Any of many organic (often heterocyclic) bases that occur in nature and often have medicinal properties.

Etymology

From alkali + -oid. Compare French alcaloïde.

Example Sentences

• "The Aspidosperma alkaloids are the largest group of indole alkaloids."
• "Xanthosine, the initial substrate of purine alkaloid synthesis, is supplied by at least four different pathways […]"

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