brucine

noun

bru·cine ˈbrü-ˌsēn

: a poisonous alkaloid C₂₃H₂₆N₂O₄ found with strychnine especially in nux vomica

Word History

Etymology

probably from French, from New Latin Brucea, genus name of Brucea antidysenterica, a shrub

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of brucine was in 1820

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Browse Nearby Words

brucia

brucine

brucite

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Brucine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brucine. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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Medical Definition

brucine

noun

bru·cine ˈbrü-ˌsēn

: a poisonous alkaloid C₂₃H₂₆N₂O₄ found with strychnine especially in nux vomica

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