Definition

Noun: * Jimson weed: A highly poisonous, tall, coarse annual plant (Datura stramonium) native to tropical regions but found in many parts of the world. It is characterized by its foul-smelling foliage, large white or violet trumpet-shaped flowers, and spiny seed pods.

Usage

• The term "jimson weed" is used specifically to refer to this toxic plant species. It is often discussed in contexts of botany, toxicology, and historical medicine due to its potent and dangerous properties.
• It is a common name; the scientific name is .

Examples

• Noun:
  • The field was overgrown with jimson weed, its white flowers visible from a distance.
  • Farmers are warned to eradicate jimson weed from pastures as it can poison livestock.
  • Historically, some cultures used extracts from jimson weed for ritual or medicinal purposes, despite its high toxicity.

Advanced Usage

• The name "jimson weed" is a corruption of "Jamestown weed," referring to an incident in Jamestown, Virginia, where soldiers were poisoned after eating the plant.
• It is also commonly known by other names such as thorn apple, devil's snare, or stinkweed, reflecting its spiny fruit and unpleasant odor.

Variants and Related Words

• Thorn apple: Another common name for jimson weed, referring to its prickly fruit capsule.
• Datura: The genus name for jimson weed and related species.
• Stramonium: The species name, often used in pharmacological contexts (e.g., stramonium extract).

Synonyms

• Devil's trumpet
• Stinkweed
• Locoweed (Note: This name is also used for other toxic plants affecting livestock)

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and only meaning for "jimson weed" is the specific toxic plant described. It does not have other unrelated definitions.
• Its connotations are almost exclusively negative, associated with danger, poisoning, and invasiveness.

Noun

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