ACONITUM Meaning and
Definition
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Aconitum is a genus of perennial flowering plants belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. Commonly known as monkshood or wolfsbane, it comprises approximately 250 species that are native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, particularly Europe, Asia, and North America.
The aconitum plant typically grows in moist, shady areas and is characterized by its tall and erect stem that reaches up to six feet in height. Its leaves are deeply divided and palmate-shaped, while its flowers are helmet-shaped and often blue or purple in color. However, there are variations among different species, and some may produce yellow, white, or pink flowers.
While visually appealing, aconitum should be handled with great care due to its highly toxic nature. All parts of the plant contain potent alkaloid toxins, such as aconitine, which can be fatal if ingested or properly handled. Historically, the toxins derived from aconitum were used for their medicinal properties, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine, where they were employed for pain relief and treating various ailments.
However, due to its toxic potential, aconitum is now mostly used for ornamental purposes, adding beauty to gardens and landscapes. It is essential for gardeners to be cautious when handling aconitum, wearing gloves and taking care not to ingest or come into contact with the plant's sap. Aconitum can be propagated through seeds or by dividing the root clumps, and it typically thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
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• A genus of herbaceous plants of the natural order Ranunculacece, the root of one species of which, A. napellus, is the drug aconite. The alkaloid aconitine is usually obtained from the root of another species, A. ferox.
• Gen. aconiti (U.S.) Aconiti radix (Br.), the root of Aconitum napellus, monkshood or wolfsbane; antipyretic diuretic, diaphoretic, and anodyne, a cardiac and respiratory depressant; externally analgesic; dose of the crude drug, gr. 1 (0.06). The fluid extract, liniment, and tincture are official in the U.S.P., or B.P., or both.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACONITUM
- zconitum
- sconitum
- wconitum
- qconitum
- axonitum
- avonitum
- afonitum
- adonitum
- acinitum
- acknitum
- aclnitum
- acpnitum
- ac0nitum
- ac9nitum
- acobitum
- acomitum
- acojitum
- acohitum
- aconutum
Etymology of ACONITUM
The word "aconitum" has its roots in the Ancient Greek language. It was derived from the Greek word "akoniton", which referred to a poisonous plant. This term was possibly borrowed from the Eastern Iranian languages, in which "akanīt" meant a type of plant as well. Over time, "akoniton" evolved into "aconitum" in Latin and spread to various European languages. The word is commonly used to refer to the genus of plants known as "aconite" or "wolf's bane" in English, which includes highly toxic species that have historically been used in medicine and witchcraft.
Idioms with the word ACONITUM
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aconitum
"Aconitum" is an idiom used to describe something that is poisonous or dangerous, often referring to a situation or person that may be harmful or deceptive. It is derived from the toxic plant Aconitum, also known as "wolfsbane" or "monkshood."
Similar spelling words for ACONITUM
- accountancy,
- aconite,
- accountant,
- acanthus,
- account,
- acanthurus,
- acanthoma,
- accounting,
- accountable,
- acentric,
- account for.
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