Curare

n.

1.

A black resinoid extract prepared by the South American Indians from the bark of several species of Strychnos (Strychnos toxifera, etc.). It sometimes has little effect when taken internally, but is quickly fatal when introduced into the blood, and used by the Indians as an arrow poison.

Noun

1.

curare - a toxic alkaloid found in certain tropical South American trees that is a powerful relaxant for striated muscles; used by South American indians as an arrow poison; "curare acts by blocking cholinergic transmission at the myoneural junction" Synonyms: tubocurarine

alkaloid, neuromuscular blocking agent, phytotoxin, plant toxin, tubocurarine