Etymology

physostigmine

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Today it means: A parasympathomimetic, a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor alkaloid of the Calabar bean, used to treat certain medical conditions. Full definition →

First used 19th c.
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The story

From translingual Physostigma venenosum (“the Calabar bean”) + -ine.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 19th c. A parasympathomimetic, a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor alkaloid of the Calabar bean, used to treat certain medical conditions.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.