Definition

Noun: * A poisonous evergreen shrub of the genus Nerium, specifically Nerium oleander, cultivated for its showy, fragrant clusters of flowers, which range in color from white to pink or red. All parts of the plant are highly toxic.

Usage

• Common Contexts: Used in botanical, horticultural, and general descriptive contexts. Often mentioned with warnings about its toxicity.
• Grammar Notes: Typically used as a countable noun. It can be referred to simply as "oleander."

Examples

• The roadside was lined with beautiful but deadly nerium oleander.
• Nerium oleander is a common sight in Mediterranean gardens.
• Despite its toxicity, many people cultivate nerium oleander for its drought tolerance and vibrant blooms.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Classification: The full scientific name is used to specify the species within the genus and the dogbane family, Apocynaceae.
• Cautionary Note: In medical or safety contexts, the term is used to identify the plant responsible for poisoning cases.
  • The child was hospitalized after ingesting leaves from a nerium oleander shrub.

Variants and Related Words

• Oleander (n): The common name for . This is the more frequently used term in everyday language.
  • She planted an oleander by the fence.
• Rosebay (n): A less common synonym for oleander.

Synonyms

• Oleander
• Rosebay

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is the specific poisonous flowering shrub. The term is not used figuratively. Its defining characteristics are its ornamental value, fragrant flower clusters, narrow evergreen leaves, and potent toxicity.

Noun

1. an ornamental but poisonous flowering shrub having narrow evergreen leaves and clusters of fragrant white to pink or red flowers: native to East Indies but widely cultivated in warm regions