Meaning & Definition of word "Digitalis"

Digitalis

/ˌdɪdʒɪˈtælɪs/

1. A genus of flowering plants in the family Plantaginaceae, commonly known as foxgloves, some species of which are used medicinally to treat heart conditions.
- Example: Digitalis is often prescribed for patients with congestive heart failure.
2. A drug derived from the digitalis plant, used in the treatment of certain heart conditions.
- Example: The doctor adjusted the dosage of digitalis based on her heart rate.
3. Refers to any of the various species of plants within the genus Digitalis.
- Example: In the garden, the digitalis blooms added a beautiful array of purple flowers.

From Latin, meaning 'of the finger', referring to the shape of the flower.

digitalis therapy:

Treatment involving the use of digitalis for heart conditions.

digitalis effect:

The physiological impact that digitalis has on heart function.

cardiac glycosides:

A class of organic compounds that increase the output force of the heart and decrease its rate.

foxglove:

A common name for plants in the Digitalis genus.

Meaning: A term for heart medications in general.

Example Sentence: He's on some strong digitalis.

Meaning: Used informally to refer to any powerful medicine.

Example Sentence: That stuff is pure digitalis, it'll get you back on your feet.