Pronunciation: [wɔːɹˈɑːɹi] (IPA) 
The word "woorari" is not commonly used in modern English, but it is an Indigenous Australian word that means "poison". The correct spelling of this word is /wʊˈrɑːri/, which can be broken down into four syllables: "wuh-RAH-ree". The "w" sound at the beginning is pronounced like "wuh", and the "r" sound is rolled or trilled. The emphasis is on the second syllable, which is pronounced "RAH". The final syllable is pronounced like "ree".
Woorari, also known as curare, is a toxic substance derived from various plants found primarily in South America. It is traditionally used by indigenous tribes in the region as a poison for hunting and warfare. The term "woorari" can refer to the substance itself or to the mixture prepared with curare.
This poisonous substance is obtained from the bark, leaves, and stems of different plants, with the most commonly used species being Strychnos toxifera, Chondrodendron tomentosum, and Chondodendron amazonicum. The process of extracting woorari typically involves boiling and reducing the plant material, resulting in a dark and thick resin.
Woorari's lethal properties are mainly attributed to its active components, which include alkaloids such as tubocurarine, protocurarine, and curarine. When used as a hunting aid, indigenous peoples typically apply woorari to blow-dart tips or arrowheads, as it paralyzes the prey's muscles and leads to asphyxiation due to respiratory muscle paralysis.
In modern times, woorari has gained attention from medical researchers due to its potential therapeutic applications. The curare alkaloids have been utilized as muscle relaxants during surgeries, particularly in aiding tracheal intubation. Furthermore, these compounds have contributed to the development of drugs used to treat various muscle-related disorders, such as myasthenia gravis.
Overall, woorari plays a significant role in indigenous cultures as a hunting and warfare tool, while also having a valuable impact on modern medicine.
And ourari, other spellings of wourali, which see.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "woorari" is derived from the language of the Indigenous peoples of South America, specifically the indigenous groups of the Amazon rainforest. It is believed to have originated from the language of the Waorani people, who inhabit the Ecuadorian Amazon. The term "woorari" refers to a type of poison made from the bark and sap of certain plants, primarily used by these indigenous communities for hunting and warfare. The word has been adopted into English to describe this poison.
