atresia Absence or closure of a normal body orifice or tubular passage such as the anus, intestine, or external ear canal. Degeneration and resorption of one or more ovarian follicles before a state of maturity has been reached. atropine Poisonous, bitter, crystalline alkaloid, C17H23NO3, obtained from belladonna and related plants. Used to dilate the pupils of the eyes and as an antispasmodic. bainmarie Large pan of hot water in which smaller pans may be placed to cook food slowly or to keep food warm. barberry Shrubs of the genus Berberis having small yellow flowers, and red, orange, or blackish berries. baryta A barium compounds, such as barium sulfate. baste Sew loosely with large running stitches to hold together temporarily. batiste Fine, plain-woven fabric made from various fibers and used especially for clothing. bedizen Ornament or dress in a showy or gaudy manner. belladonna (deadly nightshade) Poisonous Eurasian perennial herb (Atropa belladonna) with solitary, nodding, purplish-brown, bell-shaped flowers and glossy black berries. An alkaloidal extract of this plant used in medicine. benne (sesame) Tropical Asian plant (Sesamum indicum) bearing small flat seeds used as food and as a source of oil. benzoin Balsamic resin obtained from certain tropical Asian trees of the genus Styrax and used in perfumery and medicine. Also called benjamin, gum benjamin, gum benzoin. A white or yellowish crystalline compound, C14 H12 O2, derived from benzaldehyde. berberine Bitter-tasting yellow alkaloid, C20H19NO5, from several plants such as goldenseal. Used medically as an antipyretic and antibacterial agent. bergamot Small tree (Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia) grown in southern Italy for its sour citrus fruits. The rinds yield an aromatic oil (bergamot oil) used in perfume. beri-beri Deficiency of thiamine, endemic in eastern and southern Asia and characterized by neurological symptoms, cardiovascular abnormalities, and edema. Berserker Ancient Norse warriors legendary for working themselves into a frenzy before a battle and fighting with reckless savagery and insane fury. bijouterie Collection of trinkets or jewelry; decorations. bilious Relating to bile. Excess secretion of bile. Gastric distress caused by a disorder of the liver or gallbladder. Resembling bile, especially in color: a bilious green. Peevish disposition; ill-humored. bistort Eurasian perennial herb (Polygonum bistorta) with cylindrical spikes of pink flowers and a rhizome used as an astringent in folk medicine. blue flag Several irises with blue or blue-violet flowers, especially Iris versicolor of eastern North America. blue stone (blue vitriol, blue copperas, chalcanthite) Hydrated blue crystalline form of copper sulfate. bobbinet Machine-woven net fabric with hexagonal meshes.