noun
- a toxic chemical compound produced by blister beetles, historically used in medicine and now primarily of scientific interest
Usage: chemistry; pharmacology; technical
Examples
- Cantharidin is extracted from certain species of blister beetles found in warm climates.
- The compound cantharidin causes blistering of the skin and was once used as a folk remedy.
- Researchers study cantharidin for its potential effects on cellular processes.
- Exposure to cantharidin can result in severe irritation and requires immediate medical attention.
- The chemical structure of cantharidin makes it useful in laboratory investigations of cell biology.