genus cinchona

Thân thiện

The botanist examines the bark of a genus Cinchona tree in the forest.

Definition

Noun: 1. A large genus of trees: A taxonomic group (genus) comprising numerous tree species native to the Andean region of South America. 2. Characterized by medicinal bark: These trees are notably defined by their bark, which contains alkaloids used for medicinal purposes, most famously in the treatment of malaria.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The genus Cinchona is of great historical importance to pharmacology.
  • Botanists study the diversity within the genus Cinchona.
  • Quinine, a key antimalarial compound, is derived from the bark of trees belonging to the genus Cinchona.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: The name is often italicized in scientific writing () to indicate it is a genus name. The first letter is capitalized.
  • The specimen was classified under Cinchona officinalis.

Variants and Related Words

• Cinchona (n): The common name for trees of this genus, or specifically for their medicinal bark.
  • The cinchona bark was once a vital commodity.
• Cinchonine (n): One of the medicinal alkaloids found in cinchona bark.
• Quinine (n): The most famous alkaloid obtained from cinchona bark, used as an antimalarial drug.

Synonyms

• Cinchona genus: A less common but equivalent phrasing.
• Quinine genus: An informal reference highlighting its most famous product.

Related Terms & Context

• Rubiaceae: The botanical family to which the genus belongs.
• Andean region: The primary geographical origin of these trees.
• Fever tree: A historical common name for cinchona trees, referencing their use against febrile illnesses like malaria.

Học thuật

Noun

1. large genus of trees of Andean region of South America having medicinal bark

Từ đồng nghĩa

• genus Cinchona
• genus Chinchona