strychnine

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun an alkaloid plant toxin extracted chiefly from nux vomica; formerly used as a stimulant

From French strychnine, from Greek στρύχνος (strýchnos, “sleepy nightshade”) (or directly from Ancient Greek στρύχνον (strúkhnon)) + -ine.

Well, strychnine is a fairly rapid poison. — The Mysterious Affair at Styles, Agatha Christie
And if you’re testing for strychnine, you won’t find morphia. — Unnatural death, Dorothy L. (Dorothy Leigh) Sayers
Accordingly he administered an injection--not of a narcotic, but of strychnine. — The Big Four, Agatha Christie

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