Pronunciation: [stɹˈɪt͡ʃnɪk] (IPA) 
Strychnic is a word commonly associated with the deadly poison strychnine. Interestingly, the spelling of this word can be a bit tricky. The letter combination "ch" is usually pronounced like a "k" sound in IPA phonetic transcription. However, in the case of strychnic, the "ch" is pronounced like a "sh" sound, indicated by the symbol /ʃ/. So, when pronouncing this word, it is important to emphasize the "sh" sound in the middle.
Strychnic is an adjective that primarily refers to anything related to, or containing strychnine. Strychnine is a strong, bitter, and highly toxic alkaloid compound derived from the seeds of various plants of the genus Strychnos, most commonly found in the plants Strychnos nux-vomica and Strychnos ignatii.
When used in a broader sense, strychnic can also describe the effects or properties associated with strychnine. Strychnic compounds are known for their intense bitterness and their ability to stimulate the central nervous system. Because of its toxic nature, strychnine is used as a pesticide to control rodents and small mammals.
In a medical context, strychnic can describe the symptoms or manifestations resulting from strychnine poisoning. These can include severe muscle spasms, convulsions, rigid posture, exaggerated reflexes, and potentially even death if a lethal dose is consumed.
Moreover, strychnic can also be used metaphorically to denote something that is exceptionally harsh, bitter, or stringent in character, similar to the intense bitterness of strychnine. This metaphorical usage can be applied to various aspects such as taste, tone, language, or experiences that are characterized by an extreme, unpalatable, or unforgiving nature.
It is worth noting that due to its toxic and dangerous nature, strychnic compounds should be handled with extreme care and only by trained professionals.
Pert. to strychnine.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "strychnic" derives from the chemical compound "strychnine", which is a highly toxic alkaloid extracted from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree. The term "strychnine" originates from the French word "strychnine", which was coined in the early 19th century. The French term, in turn, derived from the New Latin word "strychnos", which was the name of the genus of the tree from which the compound is derived. The Greek word "strychnos" can be traced back to the Greek verb "strycho", meaning "to pull tight" or "to bind". This is because the tree's wood was used to make flexible yet strong ropes. The term "strychnic" is an adjective form of "strychnine" and is used to describe anything related to or containing strychnine.
