Definitions for cantharidin
can·tharidin

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Cantharidin

   Cantharidin is an odorless, colorless fatty substance of the terpenoid class, which is secreted by many species of blister beetles. It is a burn agent or a poison in large doses, but preparations containing it were historically used as aphrodisiacs (Spanish fly). In its natural form, cantharidin is secreted by the male blister beetle, and given to the female as a copulatory gift during mating. Afterwards, the female beetle covers her eggs with it as a defense against predators. Poisoning from cantharidin is a significant veterinary concern, especially in horses, but it can also be poisonous to humans if taken internally (where the source is usually experimental self-exposure). Externally, cantharidin is a potent vesicant (blistering agent), exposure to which can cause severe chemical burns. Properly dosed and applied, the same properties have also been used therapeutically, for instance, for treatment of skin conditions, such as molluscum contagiosum infection of the skin. Cantharidin is classified as an extremely hazardous substance in the United States, and is subject to strict reporting requirements by facilities that produce, store, or use it in significant quantities.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Cantharidinnoun

   the active principle of the cantharis, or Spanish fly, a volatile, acrid, bitter solid, crystallizing in four-sided prisms

WikidataRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Cantharidin

   Cantharidin, a type of terpenoid, is a chemical compound secreted by many species of blister beetle, and most notably by the Spanish fly, Lytta vesicatoria. The false blister beetles and cardinal beetles also produce cantharidin. It is a poisonous substance, acting as a blister agent, and can cause severe chemical burns, but these same properties make it effective as a topical medication.

U.S. National Library of MedicineRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Cantharidin

   A toxic compound, isolated from the Spanish fly or blistering beetle (Lytta (Cantharis) vesicatoria) and other insects. It is a potent and specific inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A). This compound can produce severe skin inflammation, and is extremely toxic if ingested orally.

EntomologyRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Cantharidin

   the substance that gives the meloid beetles their blistering power composition, C10H12O4 (von Furth).

How to pronounce cantharidin?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say cantharidin in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of cantharidin in Chaldean Numerology is: 5

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of cantharidin in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of cantharidin in a Sentence

1. Dan Young:

   I wonder if there’s another compound out in nature that, from the point of view of the beetle, looks like cantharidin, and they’re getting faked out.

2. Dan Young:

   She approaches the male head-on and literally tastes the stuff, and she’s basically asking the question, ‘Can you put out? Do you have enough cantharidin to satisfy my desires?’ And if he doesn’t, she won’t mate with him.

References

1. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantharidin
2. ^ Webster Dictionary
   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cantharidin
3. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=cantharidin
4. ^ Entomology
   https://www.gutenberg.org/files/22748/22748-h/22748-h.htm#:~:text=cantharidin