henbane

/'hembein/

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Word: Henbane

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Henbane is a type of poisonous herb (a plant that can be harmful if eaten) that has a strong smell and hairy leaves. It produces yellow-brown flowers and is known to contain substances called hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which can affect the nervous system.

Usage Instructions

• Context: Henbane is often mentioned in discussions about toxic plants, herbal medicine, or historical uses of plants in medicine.
• Form: It's used as a noun. You can say "the henbane plant" or "henbane leaves."

Example Sentence

• "In ancient times, henbane was sometimes used in medicines, but its toxic properties made it very dangerous."

Advanced Usage

• In literature or historical texts, henbane may be referenced to illustrate themes of danger or poison, especially in relation to witchcraft or herbal remedies.

Word Variants

• There are no direct variants for "henbane," but its scientific names include Hyoscyamus niger.

Different Meanings

• Henbane specifically refers to the plant itself. It does not have multiple meanings like some other words.

Synonyms

• There are no exact synonyms for "henbane," but you could refer to it as a "poisonous herb" or "toxic plant" when describing it in more general terms.

Related Terms

• Hyoscyamine: A chemical compound found in henbane that can cause hallucinations and has medicinal uses in small doses.
• Scopolamine: Another compound found in henbane, often used in medicine to treat motion sickness.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs commonly associated with "henbane." However, you might come across idioms about poison or danger when discussing it in literature or conversation.

Summary

Henbane is a poisonous herb with a historical context in medicine and literature.

Academic

Noun

1. poisonous fetid Old World herb having sticky hairy leaves and yellow-brown flowers; yields hyoscyamine and scopolamine

Synonyms

• black henbane
• stinking nightshade
• Hyoscyamus niger