Definition

Noun: 1. A poisonous, foul-smelling European herb: "Stinking nightshade" is the common name for a specific toxic plant (Hyoscyamus niger) native to Europe and Asia. It is characterized by its unpleasant odor, sticky and hairy leaves, and yellowish-brown flowers. It is a source of the potent alkaloid drugs hyoscyamine and scopolamine.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The forager carefully avoided the patch of stinking nightshade, knowing its toxicity.
  • Historically, stinking nightshade was used in potions and medicines, despite its dangerous properties.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or historical contexts: The term is used precisely to refer to and its properties, distinguishing it from other plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
  • The ancient text described a soporific agent derived from stinking nightshade.

Variants and Related Words

• Henbane: This is the more common modern name for the same plant, .
• Black henbane: Another synonym for this species.
• Nightshade: A broader term for plants in the Solanaceae family, which includes both poisonous (like belladonna) and edible (like tomatoes and potatoes) species. "Stinking nightshade" is a specific type of nightshade.

Synonyms

• Henbane (primary synonym)
• Black henbane
• (scientific name)

Notes on Meaning

• The name "stinking nightshade" is descriptive, combining "stinking" (for its foul smell) with "nightshade" (indicating its plant family). Its primary significance lies in its historical and pharmacological use as a source of tropane alkaloids, which are both toxic and medicinally valuable in controlled doses.

Noun

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