atropine

[From atropa (q.v.).] Chem. C17H23NO3. An organic base obtained from the Deadly Nightshade, Atropa belladonna . It crystallises in colourle needles, and is used in medicine. It dilates the pupils of the eye. at-ro-poŭs, a . [Gr. ἄτροπος ( atropos ) = not to be turned: a, priv., and τρόπος ( tropos ) = a turn; τρέπω ( trepo ) = to turn.] Bot. A term used in describing the position of an ovule in the ovary. An atropous ( lit. , an unturned) ovule is erect, with the chalaza at its base and the foramen at its apex. It is the same as ORTHOTROPOUS (q.v.). ( Lindley : Introd. to Bot . , 3rd ed., 1839, pp. 214-15.) ā'-trous, a . [Lat. ater (masc.), atra (fem.), atrum (neut.) = dead black, corresponding to the Gr. μέλας ( melas ). It is opposed to niger = glo y black.] Botany, .: Pure black black without the admixture of any other colour. ( Lindley .)