rare–1. [ad. F. trigonelle, or mod.L. Trigōnella (Linnæus, 1737), dim. of L. trigōna, fem. of trigōn-us adj., a. Gr. τρίγωνος (see TRIGON); so called from the triangular appearance of the flowers.] A plant of the genus Trigonella, N.O. Leguminosæ.
1884. De Candolle’s Orig. Cultivated Pl., 112. Trigonel, or Fenugreek—Trigonella fænum-græcum.
Hence Trigonelline Chem. [f. mod.L. Trigōnell-a + -INE5], an alkaloid occurring in the seeds of fenugreek, in hempseed, and in peas, and prepared artificially from nicotinic acid.
1886. Jrnl. Chem. Soc., L. 85. Jahn’s Trigonelline, C7H7NO2+H2O, crystallises in colourless, flat prisms, of feeble saline taste; it is readily soluble in water.
