Noun
A very poisonous alkaloid resembling brucine, obtained from various species of plants, especially from species of Loganiaceae, as from the seeds of the St. Ignatius bean (Strychnos Ignatia) and from nux vomica. It is obtained as a white crystalline substance, having a very bitter acrid taste, and is employed in medicine (chiefly in the form of the sulphate) as a powerful neurotic stimulant. Called also strychnia, and formerly strychnina.
Source: Webster's dictionaryHistory Tetanus was well known to ancient people who recognized the relationship between wounds and fatal muscle spasms. citation In 1884, Arthur Nicolaier isolated the strychnine -like toxin of tetanus from free-living, anaerobic soil bacteria. Source: Internet
Among bitter substances are such alkaloids (often toxic) as quinine, caffeine, and strychnine. Source: Internet
Planning out his action with great care, Berlioz purchased phials of strychnine and laudanum to use as poisons in the event of a pistol jamming. Source: Internet
At high doses, it causes convulsions similar to strychnine poisoning. Source: Internet
Cheating has been at the very heart of cycling since its inception and riders have tried, at various points throughout the sport’s history, strychnine, EPO, cocaine, wine,… Source: Internet
If my boss comes to me and says he needs something and it’s “urgent” (our corporate standard euphemism for ASAP) one more time, I’m putting strychnine in his guacamole. Source: Internet