An alkaloid obtained from opium (0.3–1.5%); it resembles strychnine in its action, causing tetanic convulsions. SYN: paramorphine.
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the·ba·ine thə-'bā-.ēn n a poisonous crystalline alkaloid C19H21NO3 found in opium in small quantities, related chemically to morphine and codeine, and possessing a sharp astringent taste and a tetanic action like strychnine
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the·baine (the-baґin) a crystalline, poisonous, and anodyne alkaloid from opium, having properties similar to those of strychnine; called also dimethyl morphine.Medical dictionary. 2011.