Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Veratrine \Ve*ra"trine\ (?; 277), n. [Cf. F. v['e]ratrine. See
   {Veratrum}.] (Chem.)
   A poisonous alkaloid obtained from the root hellebore
   ({Veratrum}) and from sabadilla seeds as a white crystalline
   powder, having an acrid, burning taste. It is sometimes used
   externally, as in ointments, in the local treatment of
   neuralgia and rheumatism. Called also {veratria}, and
   {veratrina}.

Veratrum \Ve*ra"trum\, n. [L. veratrum hellebore.] (Bot.)
   A genus of coarse liliaceous herbs having very poisonous
   qualities.

   Note: Veratrum album of Europe, and Veratrum viride of
         America, are both called hellebore. They grow in wet
         land, have large, elliptical, plicate leaves in three
         vertical ranks, and bear panicles of greenish flowers.

Source : WordNet®

Veratrum
     n : a genus of coarse poisonous perennial herbs; sometimes
         placed in subfamily Melanthiaceae [syn: {genus Veratrum}]