Definition

Noun: 1. A highly toxic, tall, coarse annual plant: "Jamestown weed" refers to a fast-growing, weedy plant native to tropical regions but now found in many parts of the world. It is characterized by its unpleasant-smelling foliage, large, showy flowers, and spiny seed pods. It is also commonly known by its scientific name, Datura stramonium, and other names like thorn apple or jimsonweed.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Farmers work to control the spread of Jamestown weed in their fields because it is poisonous to livestock.
  • The large, trumpet-shaped flowers of the Jamestown weed can be white or violet.
  • All parts of the Jamestown weed contain dangerous alkaloids.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The name "Jamestown weed" originates from an incident in Jamestown, Virginia, in the 17th century, where British soldiers reportedly consumed the plant and suffered severe anticholinergic poisoning, leading to its notoriety.
• Botanical/Scientific Context: In botanical texts, "Jamestown weed" is consistently identified as a member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and is noted for its toxic tropane alkaloids, such as scopolamine and atropine.

Variants and Related Words

• Jimsonweed (n): A common phonetic corruption and variant name for Jamestown weed.
• Thorn apple (n): Another common name for the same plant, referring to its prickly fruit.
• Datura stramonium (n): The scientific binomial name for the species.
• Stinkweed (n): A colloquial name referencing the plant's rank-smelling foliage.

Synonyms

• Poisonous weed: A general descriptive term.
• Toxic plant: A general descriptive term.

Notes

• Caution: "Jamestown weed" is not a term for general use in casual conversation but is specific to botanical, agricultural, or historical contexts. It is primarily used to accurately identify this dangerous plant species.

Noun

1. intensely poisonous tall coarse annual tropical weed having rank-smelling foliage, large white or violet trumpet-shaped flowers and prickly fruits