genus digitalis
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A botanist carefully examines a specimen of the genus Digitalis in a field guide.
Definition
Noun: 1. A genus of flowering plants: "genus Digitalis" is the scientific (Latin) name for a genus of herbaceous plants, commonly known as foxgloves. These plants are characterized by their tall spikes of tubular, bell-shaped flowers and their alternate leaves.
Usage Notes
- "Genus Digitalis" is a taxonomic term used primarily in scientific, botanical, and medical contexts. In everyday English, the common name "foxglove" is used.
- As a proper noun (the name of a specific genus), it is conventionally capitalized: .
- It is often used attributively to describe related species or compounds, e.g., "Digitalis plants" or "Digitalis glycosides."
Examples of Usage
- Scientific Context:
- The classification of genus Digitalis has been stable for many years.
- Several species within genus Digitalis are cultivated as garden ornamentals.
- Medical/Botanical Context:
- The leaves of plants in genus Digitalis are the source of important cardiac medications.
- Botanists study the evolution of genus Digitalis across different continents.
Advanced Usage
- "Digitalis" as a standalone term: In medical contexts, "digitalis" (uncapitalized) can refer to the drug derived from these plants.
- The patient was prescribed digitalis to regulate her heart rhythm.
Variants and Related Words
- Digitalis (n.): The abbreviated form of the genus name, often used interchangeably in scientific writing.
- Digitalis purpurea is the most well-known species.
- Foxglove (n.): The common English name for plants of this genus.
- The foxgloves in the garden are blooming beautifully.
- Digitalin / Digitoxin (n.): Specific medicinal compounds extracted from Digitalis plants.
Synonyms
- Foxglove genus: A descriptive synonym in layman's terms.
Related Phrases and Terms
- Digitalis glycosides / cardiac glycosides: The class of active chemical compounds found in these plants, used in medicine.
- Digitalis glycosides work by increasing the force of myocardial contraction.
- Digitalis toxicity: A medical condition caused by an overdose of digitalis medication.
- Symptoms of digitalis toxicity include nausea and visual disturbances.
A botanist carefully examines a specimen of the genus Digitalis in a field guide.
Noun
- genus of Eurasian herbs having alternate leaves and racemes of showy bell-shaped flowers