Search the Dictionary

An alkaloid extracted from the root of the pellitory of Spain (Anacyclus pyrethrum).

A yellow crystalline hydrocardon extracted from crude wood spirit; -- called also eblanin.

The bitter principle of quassia, extracted as a white crystalline substance; -- formerly called quassite. [Written also quassiin, and quassine.]

Pertaining to, or designating, a tannic acid found in oak bark and extracted as a yellowish brown amorphous substance.

A glucoside extracted from the bark of the oak (Quercus) as a bitter citron-yellow crystalline substance, used as a pigment and called quercitron.

ric with, and resembling, quinine, found in certain species of cinchona, from which it is extracted as a bitter white crystalline substance; conchinine. It is used somewhat as a febrifuge. [Written also chinidine.]

An alkaloid extracted from the bark of several species of cinchona (esp. Cinchona Calisaya) as a bitter white crystalline substance, C20H24N2O2. Hence, by extension (Med.), any of the salts of this alkaloid, as the acetate, chloride, sulphate, etc., employed as a febrifuge or antiperiodic. Called also quinia, quinina,…

Hence: An extract from anything, containing its rarest virtue, or most subtle and essential constituent in a small quantity; pure or concentrated essence. Let there be light, said God; and forthwith light Ethereal, first of things, quintessence pure, Sprung from the deep. Milton.

Of the nature of a quintessence; purest. "Quintessential extract of mediocrity." G. Eliot.

Like Don Quixote; romantic to extravagance; absurdly chivalric; apt to be deluded. "Feats of quixotic gallantry." Prescott.

That form of delusion which leads to extravagant and absurd undertakings or sacrifices in obedience to a morbidly romantic ideal of duty or honor, as illustrated by the exploits of Don Quixote in knight-errantry.

the initial of radix, root), placed before any quantity, denoting that its root is to be extracted; thus, sq. roota, or sq. root(a + b). To indicate any other than the square root, a corresponding figure is placed over the sign; thus cube roota, indicates the third or cube root of a. -- Radical stress (Elocution), fo…

The quality or state of being rampant; excessive action or development; exuberance; extravagance. "They are come to this height and rampancy of vice." South.

To rave in violent, high-sounding, or extravagant language, without dignity of thought; to be noisy, boisterous, and bombastic in talk or declamation; as, a ranting preacher. Look where my ranting host of the Garter comes! Shak.

Agreeable to reason; not absurd, preposterous, extravagant, foolish, fanciful, or the like; wise; judicious; as, rational conduct; a rational man.

in both directions. See Half-ray. Bundle of rays. (Geom.) See Pencil of rays, below. -- Extraordinary ray (Opt.), that one or two parts of a ray divided by double refraction which does not follow the ordinary law of refraction. -- Ordinary ray (Opt.) that one of the two parts of a ray divided by double refraction wh…

To absorb again; to draw in, or imbibe, again what has been effused, extravasated, or thrown off; to swallow up again; as, to reabsorb chyle, lymph, etc.; -- used esp. of fluids.

A book containing a selection of extracts for exercises in reading; an elementary book for practice in a language; a reading book.

hilosophers who have quitted the popular doctrines of their countries have fallen into as extravagant opinions as even common reception countenanced. Locke.

One who recites; also, a book of extracts for recitation.