Stry̆ch'ni-ȧ or Strych-nī'nȧ or Stry̆ch'nĭne, n.

n. [Fr. strychnine, from Lat. strychnos, Gr. στρύχνος, a kind of nightshade, a family of plants, of which the ancients knew three or four species.] (Chem.) A vegetable alkaloid, the sole active principle of Strychnos tieuté, the most active of the Java poisons, and one of the active principles of Strychnos Ignatii, S. nux-vomica, and S. colubrina. This alkaloid has an intensely bitter taste, leaving an impression in the mouth similar to that from certain metallic salts. It is a most valuable medicine, much used at the present day.