How Do You Spell ELATERINUM?

Pronunciation: [ɪlˈatəɹˌɪnəm] (IPA)

The word "elaterinum" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription [ɛlətəˈraɪnəm]. In this word, the "e" is pronounced as "eh," the "l" is pronounced as "el," the "a" is pronounced as "uh," the "t" is unvoiced and pronounced as "t," the "ə" is pronounced as the schwa sound, the "r" is pronounced as a slightly rolled "r," the "i" is pronounced as "eye," the "n" is pronounced as "in," and the "u" is pronounced as "um." This word is often used in botany to describe a resinous substance found in plants.

ELATERINUM Meaning and Definition

1. Elaterinum, also known as elaterin, is a white crystalline compound derived from the seeds of various species of squirting cucumber, specifically the plant Ecballium elaterium. It is commonly used in medicine due to its powerful purgative properties.

   Elaterinum belongs to a class of compounds called cardenolides, which are steroid-like compounds found in certain plants. It acts primarily on the gastrointestinal system, stimulating increased motility and promoting the rapid transit of food through the digestive tract. This effect leads to a strong laxative effect, making elaterinum an effective treatment for constipation.

   The compound is typically administered orally in the form of small, powdered doses or as pills. However, its use requires caution and medical supervision, as excessive amounts can cause intense purgation and irritation of the intestines. It is generally recommended for short-term use only and is not suitable for patients with certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or abdominal obstruction.

   Elaterinum's mechanism of action involves the release of water and electrolytes into the intestines, resulting in increased bowel movement and softening of the stool. This makes it particularly useful for cases of acute constipation or when a rapid and thorough evacuation of the bowels is necessary, such as in preparation for certain medical procedures or surgeries.

   In summary, elaterinum is a potent purgative compound derived from the seeds of squirting cucumber, used primarily to treat constipation by promoting bowel movement and evacuation.

2. Elaterin, a neutral principle, C20H28O5, obtained from elaterium, employed for the same purposes as elaterium, in doses of gr. 1/30-1/20 (0.002-0.003).

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ELATERINUM

• elaterium
• wlaterinum
• slaterinum
• dlaterinum
• rlaterinum
• 4laterinum
• 3laterinum
• ekaterinum
• epaterinum
• eoaterinum
• elzterinum
• elsterinum
• elwterinum
• elqterinum
• elarerinum
• elaferinum
• elagerinum
• elayerinum
• ela6erinum
• ela5erinum

Etymology of ELATERINUM

The word "elaterinum" is derived from the Greek word "elaterion", which means "driver" or "expelling agent". It is ultimately derived from the verb "elateo", which means "to drive" or "to impel". "Elaterinum" refers to a resinous substance that was originally obtained from the fruits of some species in the Cucurbitaceae family, particularly from squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium). The plant was known for its characteristic explosive fruits that would expel their seeds when they were touched or squeezed. Thus, the name "elaterinum" reflects the ability of this substance to expel or drive something out, linking to the plant's explosive nature.