The DICT Development Group

  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
     Loganiaceae, 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.
     [1913 Webster]

  strychnine
       n : an alkaloid plant toxin extracted chiefly from nux vomica;
           formerly used as a stimulant