deadly nightshade
/'dedli'naitʃeid/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A poisonous plant: "deadly nightshade" refers to a highly toxic perennial plant, specifically Atropa belladonna, native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is characterized by dull green leaves, bell-shaped purple or greenish flowers, and glossy black berries.
- A common name for a toxic weed: In North America, the name is also applied to a different but similarly poisonous climbing vine, Solanum dulcamara (bittersweet nightshade), which has violet flowers and red berries.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The children were warned never to eat the berries from the deadly nightshade growing in the woods.
- Historically, extracts from deadly nightshade were used in minute doses for medicinal purposes.
Advanced Usage
- In botanical contexts: The term is used precisely to distinguish from other, less toxic plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
- The alkaloids atropine and scopolamine are derived from deadly nightshade.
Variants and Related Words
- Belladonna (n): The more formal botanical name for the primary plant referred to as deadly nightshade.
- Belladonna alkaloids are used in some medications.
- Bittersweet nightshade (n): Another poisonous plant () sometimes called deadly nightshade, especially in North America.
- Nightshade (n): The broader family name (Solanaceae) which includes both poisonous plants like deadly nightshade and edible plants like tomatoes and potatoes.
Synonyms
- Banewort: An archaic name for .
- Devil's cherries: A folk name referring to its berries.
- Dwale: An old English term for the plant.
Related Phrases
- Deadly nightshade poisoning: Refers to the condition caused by ingesting any part of the plant.
- Symptoms of deadly nightshade poisoning include dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, and confusion.
Related Idioms
- (To be) as dangerous as deadly nightshade: Used figuratively to describe something or someone that is deceptively attractive but very harmful.
- His charming smile was as dangerous as deadly nightshade, hiding his malicious intentions.
Noun
- poisonous perennial Old World vine having violet flowers and oval coral-red berries; widespread weed in North America
- perennial Eurasian herb with reddish bell-shaped flowers and shining black berries; extensively grown in United States; roots and leaves yield atropine