Alkaloid \Al"ka*loid\ ([a^]l"k[.a]*loid), n. (Chem.)
An organic base, especially one of a class of substances
occurring ready formed in the tissues of plants and the
bodies of animals.
Note: Alkaloids all contain nitrogen, carbon, and hydrogen,
and many of them also contain oxygen. They include many
of the active principles in plants; thus, morphine and
narcotine are alkaloids found in opium.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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