alkaloid
UK[ˈælkəlɔɪd]US[ˈælkəlɔɪd]
n
any of a large group of nitrogen-containing organic compounds, often of plant origin, which typically have physiological effects on humans and other animals (e.g., morphine, caffeine, nicotine).
Morpheme Breakdown
alkali
oid
alkali
oid
Etymology
the term 'alkaloid' is a modern scientific coinage from the early 19th century, directly constructed from the word 'alkali' and the greek-derived suffix '-oid'. the arabic-derived 'alkali' refers to basic, salt-like substances originally obtained from plant ashes. the suffix '-oid', meaning 'resembling', indicates that these compounds share properties with alkalis, specifically their basic character due to the presence of nitrogen atoms. thus, the word's literal logic is "alkali-like substance," accurately describing the chemical nature of these naturally occurring compounds, which, like simple alkalis, can neutralize acids.
Analysis
Structure: alkali + oid
alkali (from arabic 'al-qalīy', meaning 'the ashes of saltwort', via medieval latin; denotes a base substance) + oid (from greek '-oeidēs', meaning 'having the form of, resembling'; a suffix forming adjectives and nouns).
Examples
morphine is a powerful alkaloid derived from the opium poppy.
the bitter taste of coffee is partly due to the presence of caffeine, a well-known alkaloid.
scientists are studying a new alkaloid found in this tropical plant for its potential medicinal properties.