n 1 a  cap  :  a genus of Eurasian herbs of the snapdragon family (Scrophulariaceae) that have alternate leaves and racemes of showy bell-shaped flowers and comprise the foxgloves  b  :  FOXGLOVE  2 a  :  the dried leaf of the common European foxglove (D. purpurea) that contains the active principles digitoxin and gitoxin, that is a powerful cardiotonic acting to increase the force of myocardial contraction, to slow the conduction rate of nerve impulses through the atrioventricular node, and to promote diuresis, and that is used in standardized powdered form esp. in the treatment of congestive heart failure and in the management of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and paroxysmal tachycardia of the atria  b  :  any of various glycosides (as digoxin) that are chemically related to and exert cardiac action similar to that of digitalis .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  dig·i·ta·lize  dig·i·tal·ose 
 
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