alkaloid

Definition / meaning of alkaloid

A member of a large group of substances found in plants and in some fungi. Alkaloids contain nitrogen and can be made in the laboratory. Nicotine, caffeine, codeine, and vincristine are alkaloids. Some alkaloids, such as vincristine, are used to treat cancer.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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