ABRUS Meaning and
Definition
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Abrus is a noun that refers to a genus of small shrubs or climbing plants belonging to the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the legume family. This genus comprises approximately 19 accepted species, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. The plants are characterized by their delicate clusters of attractive flowers, typically in shades of red, pink, or purple, while their leaves are usually compound with numerous leaflets.
One of the well-known species within the Abrus genus is Abrus precatorius, commonly called rosary pea or jequirity. This plant is recognized for its vibrant red seeds with a distinctive black dot at one end. These seeds have historically been used for ornamental purposes or to make jewelry, although they possess a toxic compound called abrin. Abrin is a potent poison that can cause severe illness or even be fatal if ingested or even handled improperly.
Additionally, Abrus plants have been utilized in traditional medicinal practices for their perceived therapeutic properties. Different parts of the plant have been employed to treat conditions such as snakebites, dysentery, fevers, and muscular disorders. However, it is important to note that the consumption of any part of the plant or its seeds should only be undertaken under the guidance of a trained medical professional, due to the inherent risks associated with their toxicity.
In conclusion, Abrus refers to a group of small shrubs or climbers characterized by their attractive flowers and compound leaves. The most notable species, Abrus precatorius, possesses toxic seeds that have been historically used for ornamental purposes. These plants have also been utilized in traditional medicine, although caution must be exercised due to their toxic nature.
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A genus of leguminous plants. A. precatorius, Indian liquorice, the root being sometimes used as a substitute for liquorice; the seeds have been employed in ophtbalmic practice, see jequirity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ABRUS
- abris
- abraz
- zbrus
- sbrus
- wbrus
- qbrus
- anrus
- ab5us
- ab4us
- abrys
- abrhs
- abrjs
- abr8s
- abr7s
- abrua
- abruz
- abrux
- abrud
- abruw
- zabrus
Etymology of ABRUS
The word "Abrus" has its etymology rooted in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "abrus", which refers to a plant genus. The Latin word, in turn, comes from the Ancient Greek word "ábros", meaning "tawny or reddish-brown", likely in reference to the color of the seed of the plant genus Abrus.
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