any plant belonging to the genus Aconitum, of the buttercup family, having irregular flowers usually in loose clusters, including species with poisonous and medicinal properties.
Main Entry: ac·o·nite Pronunciation: 'ak-&-"nIt Function: noun 1:MONKSHOOD 2: the dried tuberous root of a monkshood (Aconitum napellus) formerly used as a cardiac and respiratory sedative
aconite ac·o·nite (āk'ə-nīt') n. The dried poisonous root of various herbs of the genus Aconitum containing aconitine, used externally as an analgesic.