How Do You Spell SCILLIPICRIN?

1. Scillipicrin is a noun that refers to a toxic glucoside compound found primarily in the bulbs and leaves of certain plants belonging to the lily family, specifically the squill plant (Urginea maritima). It is a natural chemical substance known for its potent irritant and emetic properties.

   The word "scillipicrin" is derived from the combination of "scilla," which refers to plants in the squill genus, and "picrin," which is a term used for compounds that are highly bitter and toxic. Scillipicrin is commonly considered a bitter principle due to its intensely acrid taste.

   This natural compound has been historically used in ancient medicine as a powerful emetic and purgative. Its stimulant effects on the digestive system, particularly the stomach, make it useful for inducing vomiting, cleansing the bowels, and treating constipation. However, scillipicrin also poses a significant health risk due to its toxicity and ability to irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

   In modern times, scillipicrin is primarily used in scientific studies and research laboratories as a reference compound or standard for identifying, characterizing, and quantifying other related substances present in different plant species. It plays a critical role in pharmaceutical research, as scientists explore its potential medicinal properties and study its toxicological effects.

2. A bitter yellowish red glucoside from squill, diuretic in doses of gr. 1/3-1 (0.02-0.06) hypodermically.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SCILLIPICRIN

The word "scillipicrin" comes from the combination of two elements: "scilli-" and "-picrin".

The first element, "scilli-", is derived from the scientific name of the plant known as "Scilla maritima" or "Scilla autumnalis", commonly known as the sea squill or autumn squill. This plant belongs to the family Asparagaceae and is native to the Mediterranean region. The roots of the Scilla plants contain particular toxic compounds.

The second element, "-picrin", comes from the noun "picric acid", which is a yellow, crystalline substance, also known as trinitrophenol. Picric acid is highly explosive and was previously used in explosives, but it is now mainly used in chemical synthesis.