fly poison
Definition
Noun: - A highly toxic plant used as an insecticide: "Fly poison" refers to a specific perennial plant (Amianthium muscitoxicum, formerly Amianthium muscaetoxicum) native to the southeastern United States. All parts of this plant are highly poisonous. Historically, its bulb was crushed and used as a poison to kill flies.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The early settlers sometimes used fly poison to control insects in their homes.
- Hikers should be able to identify fly poison, as it is dangerous if ingested by humans or livestock.
Advanced Usage
- Botanical Context: The term is primarily used in botanical, historical, or regional contexts to describe this specific plant and its traditional use. It is not a common household term.
- Cautionary Note: In modern usage, mentioning "fly poison" often comes with a strong warning about the plant's toxicity to all mammals, not just insects.
Variants and Related Words
- Amianthium muscitoxicum (n): The current botanical/scientific name for the plant commonly called fly poison.
- Stagger grass (n): Another common name for the same plant, referring to its effect on livestock that eat it.
- Crow poison (n): A regional name used for the same or similar toxic plants.
Synonyms
- Insecticide plant: A descriptive synonym highlighting its historical use.
- Toxic lily: A general descriptive term, as the plant is a member of the lily family (Liliaceae).
Notes on Meaning
The term "fly poison" is a compound noun that functions as the common name for a specific plant. Its meaning is fixed and literal, referring directly to the plant species and its property. It does not refer to commercial or synthetic fly poisons.
Noun
-
all parts of plant are highly toxic; bulb pounded and used as a fly poison; sometimes placed in subfamily Melanthiaceae
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