strychnism
Noun (uncountable): A pathological condition resulting from poisoning by strychnine, a highly toxic alkaloid. Strychnism is characterized by severe muscular spasms, convulsions, and respiratory failure.
- (A medical condition caused by strychnine poisoning.)
- (Poisoning from strychnine in animals.)
- (Industrial poisoning incidents.)
"chronic strychnism": A long-term, low-level exposure to strychnine leading to gradual neurological symptoms.
- Workers handling pesticides developed chronic strychnism, with persistent muscle twitching. (Slow-onset poisoning.)
"acute strychnism": A sudden, severe poisoning event with rapid onset of convulsions.
- The emergency room treated three cases of acute strychnism from accidental ingestion. (Immediate, life-threatening poisoning.)
Strychnine (n): The toxic alkaloid itself, derived from plants of the genus Strychnos.
- Strychnine is a bitter-tasting poison used historically in rodenticides. (The chemical compound.)
Strychninism (n): An alternative spelling of strychnism; identical in meaning.
- The toxicology report confirmed strychninism as the cause of death. (Synonymous term.)
Strychnine poisoning: The exact condition, emphasizing the causative agent.
- The autopsy revealed strychnine poisoning. (Direct synonym.)
Strychnic intoxication: A formal medical term for the toxic state.
- Strychnic intoxication leads to opisthotonos, a severe back arching. (Clinical description.)
"Strychnine grin": A colloquial expression for the facial muscle spasms (risus sardonicus) seen in strychnism.
- The patient's strychnine grin was a classic sign of the poisoning. (A symptom-specific idiom.)
"Under the strychnine's spell": A poetic or dramatic phrase describing the effects of strychnine poisoning.
- He fell under the strychnine's spell, his body contorting uncontrollably. (Figurative usage.)