ERGOTIN Meaning and
Definition
-
Ergotin is a noun that refers to a medicinal substance derived from ergot, a parasitic fungus that typically grows on rye and other cereal crops. This fungus produces a group of alkaloids known as ergot alkaloids. Ergotin specifically refers to a crude extract or preparation containing these alkaloids.
Historically, ergotin has been used for its vasoconstrictive properties. It has been employed in traditional medicine to alleviate various conditions, such as headaches, migraines, and hemorrhages. This substance exerts its effects by constricting blood vessels, thus reducing blood flow to specific areas of the body.
Derived from the Latin word "ergot," meaning "spur of a cock," ergotin was first isolated and identified in the 19th century. It has since been used in pharmaceutical formulations, but with caution due to its potential side effects. One such side effect is ergotism, a condition caused by excessive consumption of ergot-contaminated grains, leading to symptoms such as hallucinations, convulsions, and gangrene.
Today, ergotin is less commonly used in mainstream medicine due to the development of more effective and safer alternatives. Nevertheless, it remains an important compound for scientific research and serves as a historical benchmark in the understanding of medicinal chemistry.
-
1. Extractum ergotae. 2. Ergotine (2).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
The acrid, bitter, active principle of ergot.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ERGOTIN
- wrgotin
- srgotin
- drgotin
- rrgotin
- 4rgotin
- 3rgotin
- eegotin
- edgotin
- efgotin
- etgotin
- e5gotin
- e4gotin
- erfotin
- ervotin
- erbotin
- erhotin
- eryotin
- ertotin
- ergitin
Etymology of ERGOTIN
The term "Ergotin" does not have a well-documented etymology as it is not a commonly used or recognized word outside of specific contexts. However, it can be inferred that the word is derived from "ergot", which refers to a fungus that affects cereal crops such as rye, resulting in the production of toxic alkaloids. Ergot has been historically used in medicine, particularly in the form of ergot alkaloids like ergotamine and ergometrine, which have vasoconstrictive properties and have been utilized for various medical purposes. It is possible that "Ergotin" is a term coined to refer to a derivative or compound related to ergot or ergotamine. Nevertheless, without more specific context, it is difficult to ascertain the exact origins of the word.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
