Strychnine \Strych"nine\, n. [L. strychnos a kind of nightshade, Gr. ?: cf. F. strychnine.]

(Chem.) A very poisonous alkaloid resembling brucine, obtained from various species of plants, especially from species of Loganiace[ae], 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 Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)