Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MEN-I-SPER'MI-NA, or MEN-I-SPER'MINE, n. [L. menispermum, from Gr. μήνη, the moon, and σπιρμα, a seed.]

An alkaloid obtained from Anamirta paniculata, once called Menispermum. This alkaloid is a white opake crystalline solid, which is tasteless, and medicinally inert.