/err'geuh noh"veen, -vin/ , n. Pharm.
an alkaloid, C 23 H 27 N 3 O 2 , obtained from ergot or produced synthetically, used chiefly in obstetrics to induce uterine contractions or control uterine bleeding.
[ 1935-40; ERGO- 2 + nov- ( novus NEW) + -INE 2 ]