1.
[syn: calabar-bean vine, Physostigma venenosum]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Physostigmine \Phy`so*stig"mine\, n. (Chem.)
An alkaloid found in the Calabar bean (the seed of
Physostigma venenosum), and extracted as a white,
tasteless, substance, amorphous or crystalline; -- formerly
called eserine, with which it was regarded as identical.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Calabar \Cal"a*bar\, n.
A district on the west coast of Africa.
[1913 Webster]
Calabar bean, The of a climbing legumious plant
(Physostigma venenosum), a native of tropical Africa. It
is highly poisonous. It is used to produce contraction of
the pupil of the eye; also in tetanus, neuralgia, and
rheumatic diseases; -- called also ordeal bean, being
used by the negroes in trials for witchcraft.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Eserine \Es"er*ine\ (?; 104), n. [From native name of the
Calabar bean: cf. F. ['e]s['e]rine.] (Chem.)
An alkaloid found in the Calabar bean, and the seed of
Physostigma venenosum; physostigmine. It is used in
ophthalmic surgery for its effect in contracting the pupil.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
Physostigma venenosum
n 1: tropical African woody vine yielding calabar beans [syn:
calabar-bean vine, Physostigma venenosum]