smallpox Contagious febrile (feverish) disease characterized by skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation. It is caused by a poxvirus (genus Orthopoxvirus) that is believed to exist now only in lab cultures. smilax (catbrier, greenbrier) Slender vine (Asparagus asparagoides) with glossy foliage, greenish flowers, heart-shaped leaves, and bluish to black berries; popular as a floral decoration. Socotrine Pertaining to Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean, on the east coast of Africa. sordes Dark brown or blackish crust-like deposits on the lips, teeth, and gums of a person with dehydration resulting from a chronic debilitating disease. spermaceti White, waxy substance from the head of the sperm whale used for making candles, ointments, and cosmetics. spematorrhea (spermatorrhoea) Involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm spigelia (pinkroot ) Genus of American herbs (family Loganiaceae) related to the nux vomica and used as anthelmintics (expel or destroy parasitic intestinal worms). sprue Chronic, chiefly tropical disease characterized by diarrhea, emaciation, and anemia, caused by defective absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract. squill (sea onion) Bulbous Eurasian and African plants of the genus Scilla, having narrow leaves and bell-shaped blue, white, or pink flowers. The dried inner scales of the bulbs used as rat poison and formerly as a cardiac stimulant, expectorant, and diuretic. stephanotis Woody climbing plants of the genus Stephanotis, especially S. floribunda of Madagascar, cultivated for its showy fragrant white flowers. staphisagria (stavesacre) Eurasian plant of the genus Delphinium (D. staphisagria). Ripe seeds of the stavesacre contain delphinine, are violently emetic and carthartic, and have been used to kill head lice called also staphisagria steppage Peculiar gait seen in neuritis of the peroneal nerve and in tabes dorsalis; high stepping to allow the drooping foot and toes to clear the ground. stertorous Harsh snoring or gasping sound. stevia Plant of the genus Stevia or Piqueria, having white or purplish flowers. stiletto Small dagger with a slender, tapering blade. Small, sharp-pointed instrument used for making eyelet holes in needlework. stillingia Genus of widely distributed herbs and shrubs (family Euphorbiaceae). The dried root of a plant of the genus Stillingia (S. sylvatica) was formerly used as a diuretic, and laxative. stomachic Relating to the stomach; gastric. Beneficial to digestion. An agent that strengthens the stomach. strychnine Extremely poisonous white crystalline alkaloid, C21H22O2N2, derived from nux vomica and related plants, used to poison rodents and topically in medicine as a stimulant for the central nervous system. stupe Hot, wet, medicated cloth used as a compress. St. Vitus' Dance See chorea