noun
alkaloid
AL-kuh-loyd
Alkaloid (noun) means an organic base that occurs naturally and often has medicinal properties. Example: “Alkaloids are known for their strong effects on the body.”
noun
1
An organic base that occurs naturally and often has medicinal properties.
"Alkaloids are known for their strong effects on the body."
"The research team identified a new alkaloid in the sample."
"This alkaloid is used in the preparation of the medicine."
How to use alkaloid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn alkaloid is a natural chemical, often with a strong effect on the body.
When to use it
Alkaloid is a technical term used in chemistry, pharmacology and botany.
Memory tip
Notice that alkaloid is built from alkali plus -oid, meaning 'like an alkali'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
plant alkaloid
alkaloid content
toxic alkaloid
alkaloid extract
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_____ are known for their strong effects on the body.
Etymology
Alkaloid is formed from the word alkali and the suffix -oid, meaning "like" or "resembling". It closely parallels the French word alcaloïde.
Rhymes for alkaloid
See all rhymes for alkaloid →Frequently asked questions
What is an alkaloid?
An alkaloid is a naturally occurring organic base that often has medicinal properties.
Why are alkaloids important in medicine?
Many alkaloids have strong effects on the body, which is why they are valued for their medicinal properties.
Where does the word alkaloid come from?
It is formed from alkali plus the suffix -oid, meaning "resembling", and closely matches the French word alcaloïde.
What is the meaning of alkaloid?
"alkaloid" (noun) means an organic base that occurs naturally and often has medicinal properties.
