| ecgonine | <chemistry> A colourless, crystalline, nitrogenous base, obtained by the decomposition of cocaine. Origin: Gr. 'ekgonos sprung from. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
|---|---|
| ecgonine benzoate | A metabolite of cocaine produced by hydrolysis; it can be found in the urine. Synonym: benzoate, ecgonine benzoate. (05 Mar 2000) |
| echelon | To place in echelon; to station divisions of troops in echelon. 1. An arrangement of a body of troops when its divisions are drawn up in parallel lines each to the right or the left of the one in advance of it, like the steps of a ladder in position for climbing. Also used adjectively; as, echelon distance. 2. <astronomy> An arrangement of a fleet in a wedge or form. <optics> Echelon lens, a large lens constructed in several parts or layers, extending in a succession of annular rings beyond the central lens; used in lighthouses. Origin: F, fr. Echelle ladder, fr. L. Scala. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| echeosis | Rarely used term for a mental disturbance caused by continuous disturbing noises. Origin: G. Echein, to suffer from noises in ears (05 Mar 2000) |
| echidna | 1. A monster, half maid and half serpent. 2. <zoology> A genus of Monotremata found in Australia, Tasmania, and new Guinea. They are toothless and covered with spines; called also porcupine ant-eater, and Australian ant-eater. Origin: L, a viper, adder, Gr. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| echidnine | <chemistry> The clear, viscid fluid secreted by the poison glands of certain serpents; also, a nitrogenous base contained in this, and supposed to be the active poisonous principle of the virus. See: Echidna. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| Echidnophaga gallinacea | The sticktight flea, a serious pest of poultry in subtropical America; also frequently attacks domestic mammals and humans. (05 Mar 2000) |
| echin- | See: echino-. (05 Mar 2000) |
| echinacea | <botany> A commonly used herb for maintaining the immune system. There is evidence that use of echinacea can increase levels of tumour necrosis factor which is often already elevated in HIV positive people and may contribute to both wasting and the replication of HIV. Little clinical trial data are available on the herb's value in HIV and AIDS. (19 Jan 1998) |
| echinate | Bearing stiff, stout, prickly hairs. (09 Oct 1997) |
| echinid | <zoology> Same as Echinoid. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| echinidan | <zoology> One the Echinoidea. Origin: Cf. F. Echinide. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| echinite | <paleontology> A fossil echinoid. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| echino- | Echin- Prickly, spiny. Origin: G. Echinos, hedgehog, sea urchin (05 Mar 2000) |
| Echinochasmus | A genus of digenetic flukes (family Echinostomatidae), particularly common in wading and fish-eating birds; the species Echinochasmus perfoliatus var. Japonicus is reported as a rare intestinal parasite of humans in Japan. Origin: echino-+ G. Chasma, open mouth (05 Mar 2000) |