cicuta
Definition
- Noun:
- A small genus of perennial plants: Cicuta is the scientific genus name for a group of highly poisonous flowering plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae), commonly known as water hemlock.
- A deadly poisonous plant: The term refers specifically to these plants, which contain cicutoxin, a potent neurotoxin primarily found in their tuberous roots.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- Cicuta is considered one of the most toxic plants in North America.
- The forager carefully avoided the cicuta growing near the stream.
- Ingestion of any part of a cicuta plant can be fatal.
Advanced Usage
- In botanical or toxicological contexts: The word is used precisely to refer to this specific genus, distinguishing it from other poisonous plants like (poison hemlock).
- The study focused on the distribution of Cicuta species in wetland habitats.
Variants and Related Words
- Cicutoxin (n): The potent, unsaturated aliphatic alcohol that is the primary toxin in plants of the genus .
- Cicutoxin acts as a violent convulsant.
Synonyms
- Water hemlock: The most common common name for plants in the genus .
- Cowbane: Another common name for some species.
Notes on Meaning
- Critical Distinction: It is crucial to distinguish (water hemlock) from (poison hemlock). They are different genera, though both are highly poisonous. toxicity is primarily associated with its roots and is often linked to water sources.
- The term is primarily scientific: In everyday language, "water hemlock" is more common. "Cicuta" is used in formal, academic, or scientific discussions.
Noun
-
small genus of perennial herbs having deadly poisonous tuberous roots: water hemlock
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