a. [ L. anserinus, fr. anser a goose. ]
n. [ From native name of the Calabar bean: cf. F. ésérine. ] (Chem.) An alkaloid found in the Calabar bean, and the seed of Physostigma venenosum; physostigmine. It is used in ophthalmic surgery for its effect in contracting the pupil. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. [ L. passerinus, fr. passer a sparrow. ] (Zool.) Of or pertaining to the
The columbine, gallinaceous, and passerine tribes people the fruit trees. Sydney Smith. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Zool.) One of the
n. [ L. sericus silken. ] (Chem.) one of the natural