atropinism
|a-trop-in-ism|
🇺🇸
/əˈtroʊpɪnɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/əˈtrəʊpɪnɪzəm/
poisoning by atropine
Etymology
'atropinism' originates from Modern Latin/Modern English, specifically from the word 'atropine' (from New Latin 'atropinum') combined with the suffix '-ism', where 'atropine' was named after the plant genus 'Atropa' (as in 'Atropa belladonna').
'atropinism' developed in medical English by adding the suffix '-ism' to 'atropine' to denote the condition caused by that alkaloid. 'Atropine' itself was named after the plant genus 'Atropa', which derives from the Greek mythological name 'Atropos', one of the three Fates.
Initially related to the substance 'atropine' (the alkaloid from Atropa belladonna), the term evolved to denote specifically the clinical syndrome or poisoning produced by atropine (and similar anticholinergic agents).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
poisoning or toxic effects produced by atropine (or other antimuscarinic/anticholinergic agents); the anticholinergic syndrome characterized by dry mouth, flushed skin, mydriasis (dilated pupils), hyperthermia, tachycardia, agitation, confusion or delirium, urinary retention, and decreased bowel sounds.
The patient was diagnosed with atropinism after presenting with dilated pupils, dry mouth, and severe agitation following an accidental overdose.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/14 07:24