Definition

1. Noun:
   • A highly poisonous biennial herb: "Conium maculatum" is the scientific name for a large, branching biennial plant native to Eurasia and Africa, also found in North America. It is characterized by large, fern-like leaves and clusters of small white flowers. All parts of the plant are extremely toxic.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Conium maculatum is commonly known as poison hemlock.
  • The field was overgrown with Conium maculatum, posing a danger to grazing livestock.
  • Historically, a extract from Conium maculatum was used as a method of execution.

Advanced Usage

• In historical or toxicological contexts: The plant is often discussed in relation to its historical use as a poison.
  • The death of the philosopher Socrates is famously attributed to a potion containing Conium maculatum.

Variants and Related Words

• Poison hemlock (n): The most common English name for .
  • It is crucial to correctly identify poison hemlock to avoid accidental poisoning.
• Hemlock (n): A general common name, though it can refer to other plants; context usually specifies when discussing toxicity.
• Biennial herb (n phrase): A classification describing its two-year life cycle.

Synonyms

• Poison parsley: Another common name for the same plant.
• Spotted hemlock: A name referencing the plant's often spotted or streaked stems.

Related Phrases

• Hemlock poisoning (n phrase): The condition caused by ingesting any part of .
  • Symptoms of hemlock poisoning include muscular paralysis and respiratory failure.

Noun

1. large branching biennial herb native to Eurasia and Africa and adventive in North America having large fernlike leaves and white flowers; usually found in damp habitats; all parts extremely poisonous