What is "curari"

Curare \Cu*ra"re\ Curari \Cu*ra"ri\(k?-r?"r?), n. [Native name. Cf. Wourall.] A black resinoid extract prepared by the South American Indians from the bark of several species of Strychnos ( Strychnos toxifera, etc.). It sometimes has little effect when taken internally, but is quickly fatal when introduced into the blood, and used by the Indians as an arrow poison.

n. (alternative form of curare English)