Definition

Noun: 1. A poisonous plant: A perennial herb (Aconitum napellus) native to northern Europe and Asia, known for its highly toxic properties. All parts of the plant, especially the roots and leaves, contain poisonous alkaloids. 2. A source of aconite: The common name for plants whose dried parts are used to produce the drug and poison known as aconite.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The vibrant blue monkshood added a striking contrast to the cottage garden, though the gardener handled it with gloves.
  • Historically, extracts from monkshood were used on arrowheads for hunting and in warfare.
  • Aconitine, the primary toxin in monkshood, affects the nervous system and heart.

Advanced Usage

• "the hood of a monk": The name "monkshood" derives from the shape of its flowers, which resemble the hood (cowl) worn by medieval monks.
  • The common name monkshood is a direct reference to the unique shape of its flower.

Variants and Related Words

• Aconite (n): The name for the poisonous drug or extract obtained from plants of the genus , including monkshood. Also used as another common name for the plant itself.
  • Aconite must be used with extreme caution in homeopathic preparations.
• Wolfsbane (n): Another common name for plants in the same genus (), often used interchangeably with monkshood, though some species may be specifically referred to by one name or the other.
  • In folklore, wolfsbane was believed to ward off werewolves.

Synonyms

• Aconite: (when referring to the plant or its extract)
• Wolfsbane: (a closely related plant with similar properties and appearance)
• Helmet flower: (descriptive name referring to the flower shape)

Notes on Meaning

• The term monkshood specifically refers to the physical plant. Its primary association is with its distinctive hooded flowers and its well-documented, potent toxicity. It is not used metaphorically in common language.

Noun

1. a poisonous herb native to northern Europe having hooded blue-purple flowers; the dried leaves and roots yield aconite