arecoline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “arecoline” mean?
A toxic alkaloid found in the areca nut, used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A toxic alkaloid found in the areca nut, used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic.
A parasympathomimetic compound that acts as a stimulant and is the primary psychoactive component of the betel nut, sometimes studied in pharmacology for its cholinergic effects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical/scientific in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “arecoline” in a Sentence
The study analysed the [arecoline] content.[Arecoline] was administered to the subjects.The effects of [arecoline] were observed.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arecoline” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The arecoline concentration was measured.
- An arecoline derivative was synthesised.
American English
- The arecoline concentration was measured.
- An arecoline derivative was synthesized.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in pharmacological, chemical, and toxicological research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context; used in veterinary medicine, pharmacology, and chemistry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arecoline”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arecoline”
- Misspelling as 'arecholine' (confusion with acetylcholine).
- Using it as a general term for any stimulant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised scientific term with very low frequency outside technical literature.
It is the primary alkaloid found in the seeds (nuts) of the areca palm (Areca catechu), commonly chewed as betel nut.
Arecoline is toxic and has carcinogenic properties. Its consumption, primarily through betel quid chewing, is a major public health concern in some regions.
Historically, its salts (like arecoline hydrobromide) were used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic (dewormer). It has limited therapeutic use in human medicine due to its toxicity and is primarily a subject of research.
A toxic alkaloid found in the areca nut, used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic.
Arecoline is usually technical/scientific in register.
Arecoline: in British English it is pronounced /əˈrɛkəliːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈrɛkəˌlin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
AREca nut + alkaLINE = ARECOLINE. Think of the line of alkaloids found in the areca nut.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHEMICAL AS AGENT (e.g., 'arecoline acts on receptors').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'arecoline' most commonly used?