thorn-apple
Definition
- Noun:
- A plant of the nightshade family: "thorn-apple" refers to any plant of the genus Datura, especially Datura stramonium, known for its spiny fruit, trumpet-shaped flowers, and toxic properties.
- The fruit of this plant: The spiny, round or oval seed pod produced by Datura species.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The thorn-apple plant is highly poisonous and should not be handled without caution. (A toxic plant with spiny fruit.)
- Farmers often remove thorn-apple from fields to prevent livestock from eating its dangerous fruit. (The spiny seed pod of the Datura plant.)
Advanced Usage
- "thorn-apple" as a common name: Often used interchangeably with "jimsonweed" or "devil's trumpet" in informal contexts.
- In rural areas, thorn-apple is known for its hallucinogenic effects, though it can be fatal. (Referring to the plant's psychoactive but dangerous properties.)
Variants and Related Words
- Thorn-apple (n): The standard spelling; also written as "thorn apple" (two words).
- Jimsonweed (n): A common synonym for .
- Jimsonweed is another name for the thorn-apple plant. (A regional variation.)
Synonyms
- Jimsonweed: A North American term for .
- Devil's trumpet: A colloquial name for the plant due to its trumpet-shaped flowers.
- Stinkweed: A derogatory name for the plant's unpleasant odor.
Related Idioms
- "To eat the thorn-apple": An archaic or poetic phrase meaning to suffer the consequences of one's actions, often due to recklessness.
- He ignored all warnings and ate the thorn-apple of his own foolish decisions. (He faced the harmful results of his choices.)
Phrasal Verbs
- None directly associated: "Thorn-apple" is primarily a noun and does not form phrasal verbs.