Definition

1. 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

1. poisonous perennial Old World vine having violet flowers and oval coral-red berries; widespread weed in North America
2. perennial Eurasian herb with reddish bell-shaped flowers and shining black berries; extensively grown in United States; roots and leaves yield atropine