alkaloid

[al-kuh-loid]

noun

1. any of a large class of organic, nitrogen-containing ring compounds of vegetable origin and sometimes synthesized, some of which are liquid but most of which are solid, that have a bitter taste, that are usually water-insoluble and alcohol-soluble, that combine with acids without the loss of a water molecule to form water-soluble hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, or the like, and that usually exhibit pharmacological action, as nicotine, morphine, or quinine.

adjective

1. resembling an alkali; alkaline.

alkaloid

/ ˈælkəˌlɔɪd /

noun

1. any of a group of nitrogenous basic compounds found in plants, typically insoluble in water and physiologically active. Common examples are morphine, strychnine, quinine, nicotine, and caffeine

alkaloid

1. Any of a large class of naturally occurring, complex organic compounds that contain nitrogen and have physiological effects on animals, including humans. Most alkaloids occur in plants, although some are produced by fungi and animals. Alkaloids are bases and usually form colorless crystalline solids with a bitter taste. They have a wide range of effects and are used as medicines and poisons. Morphine, quinine, strychnine, codeine, caffeine, cocaine, and nicotine are all alkaloids.

Other Word Forms

• nonalkaloid noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of alkaloid¹

First recorded in 1825–35; alkal(i) + -oid

Example Sentences

The department urges residents to look out for products with labels such as “plant alkaloids” or simply “alkaloid,” as they may contain 7-OH.

From Los Angeles Times

It would have also regulated the product’s chemical content, mandate labeling with alkaloid amounts and warnings that kratom may be habit forming as well as bar kratom sales to anyone under the age of 21.

From Los Angeles Times

Ibogaine, an alkaloid extracted from the iboga root native to Central Africa, is illegal in the U.S., but not in Mexico and the Caribbean.

From Salon

Importantly, the alkaloids in kratom are considered "atypical opioids" so a one-to-one comparison to something like morphine isn't entirely accurate.

From Salon

And it would have prohibited ones in which a specific chemical makes up more than 1% of its alkaloid content.

From Los Angeles Times