gelsemium noun. [dʒɛl'si:mɪǝm] L19.
[mod. Latin (see below), from Italian gelsomino JASMINE.]
The rhizome of a twining shrub, Gelsemium sempervirens (family Loganiaceae) of southern N. America (also called Carolina jasmine); a preparation of this used medicinally, esp. in the treatment of neuralgia.

■ 'gelsemine noun (Chemistry) an indole-based alkaloid with depressant properties, present in gelsemium root L19.

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