devil's apples
Noun: 1. A poisonous plant: "devil's apples" is the common name for a specific, toxic plant species (Mandragora officinarum) native to southern Europe and North Africa. It is characterized by purple flowers, yellow berries, and a large, often forked root. 2. A plant with historical magical associations: The term refers to this plant's historical and folkloric significance, where its distinctive root was once believed to possess magical or supernatural powers.
- Noun:
- The forked root of the devil's apples was thought to resemble a human figure.
- Ancient herbals warned of the toxic properties of devil's apples.
- In some folklore, harvesting devil's apples was said to require special rituals.
- Historical/ Folkloric Context: The term is primarily used in historical, botanical, or folkloric contexts rather than in everyday modern language. It evokes ancient beliefs about plant magic and medicine.
- The sorcerer's grimoire listed devil's apples as a key ingredient for a potion.
- Mandrake (n): The more common modern name for the same plant ().
- The plant known as devil's apples is more commonly called mandrake today.
- Mandrake root (n): Specifically refers to the root of the plant, which was the part most associated with magical properties.
- Mandrake: The direct synonym for the plant species.
- Sorcerer's root: Another folk name highlighting its association with magic.
The term "devil's apples" specifically denotes: 1. The physical, poisonous plant with specific botanical features (purple flowers, yellow fruit, forked root). 2. The plant in the context of its legendary and historical reputation for having magical powers. It does not refer to any other type of apple or common fruit.
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a plant of southern Europe and North Africa having purple flowers, yellow fruits and a forked root formerly thought to have magical powers
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