Digitalis

Pronunciation: dij′i-tal′is, -ta′lis

Definition: A genus of perennial flowering plants of the family Schrophulariaceae. Digitalis lanata, a European species, and Digitalis purpurea, purple foxglove, are the main sources of cardioactive steroid glycosides used in the treatment of certain heart diseases, especially congestive heart failure; also used to treat tachyarrhythmias of atrial origin.

Synonym(s): foxglove

[L. digitalis, relating to the fingers; in allusion to the fingerlike flowers]

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