conine, coniine Chem.
(ˈkəʊnaɪn, ˈkəʊnɪaɪn)
Also coneine.
[f. L. coni-um, Gr. κώνειον hemlock + -in.]
An alkaloid (C8H15N) which forms the poisonous principle of hemlock (Conium maculatum); it is an oily liquid, with a peculiar suffocating odour, and violently poisonous, producing paralysis of the terminations of the motor nerves, and consequent asphyxia. Also conia, conicine.
| 1831 J. Davies Manual Mat. Med. 316 Coniin possesses the following properties. 1882 Watts Dict. Chem. II. 2 Conine exists in combination with acids in all parts of the hemlock-plant, but most abundantly in the fruit a little before maturity. |
| attrib. 1878 tr. Ziemssen's Cycl. Med. XVII. 818 As a general rule, cardiac pulsation is retarded in coniine-poisoning. |