phytolacca decandra (Scoke, Poke, Pokeweed) Tall coarse perennial American herb with small white flowers followed by blackish-red berries on long drooping racemes; young fleshy stems are edible; berries and root are poisonous. picric acid Poisonous, yellow crystalline solid, C6H2(NO2)3OH, used in explosives, dyes, and antiseptics. piece de resistance Outstanding accomplishment. Principal dish of a meal. pilocarpus Small tropical American shrubs (family Rutaceae) with small greenish flowers. pilocarpine muriate 3-ethyl-4-[(3-methylimidazol-4-yl)methyl]oxolan-2-one hydrochloride C11H17ClN2O2 pique Vexation caused by a perceived slight or indignity; feeling of wounded pride. pleurodynia Paroxysmal pain and soreness of the muscles between the ribs. Epidemic disease caused by a coxsackievirus, causing pain in the lower chest and fever, headache, and malaise. podophyllin Bitter-tasting resin from the dried root of the may apple; used as a cathartic. pokeweed (pokeberry, pokeroot.) Tall North American plant (Phytolacca americana) with small white flowers, blackish-red berries, and a poisonous root. prickly ash Deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees of the genus Zanthoxylum. probang Long, slender, flexible rod with a tuft or sponge at the end; used to remove objects from or apply medication to the larynx or esophagus. proteid (obsolete term) Protein. proud flesh Swollen flesh that surrounds a healing wound, caused by excessive granulation (Small, fleshy, bead-like protuberances--new capillaries--on the surface of a wound that is healing). pruritus Severe itching, often of undamaged skin. Prunus Virginiana (Chokecherry) Astringent fruit of a species of wild cherry; the bush or tree which bears such fruit. pterygium Abnormal mass of tissue on the conjunctiva of the inner corner of the eye that obstructs vision by covering the cornea. pulsatilla Dried medicinal herb from a pasqueflower (especially Anemone pulsatilla) formerly used to treat amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. punctilio Fine point of etiquette. Precise observance of formalities. purpura Hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes having the appearance of purplish spots or patches. pyemia Septicemia (blood poisoning) caused by pyogenic (producing pus) microorganisms in the blood, often resulting in the formation of multiple abscesses. pyrogallic Acid White, toxic crystalline phenol, C6H3(OH)3, used as a photographic developer and to treat certain skin diseases. quassia Tropical American shrub (Quassia amara) with bright scarlet flowers. A bitter substance from its wood is used in medicine and as an insecticide. Queen of the meadow (Meadowsweet) European herbaceous plant (Spiraea Ulmaria). North American shrubs (Spiraea alba or S. latifolia) having umbel-shaped clusters of white flowers. Perennial herbs of the genus Filipendula in the rose family.