belladonna (ˌbɛləˈdɒnə) ![]() | |
| —n | |
| 1. | either of two alkaloid drugs, atropine or hyoscyamine, obtained from the leaves and roots of the deadly nightshade |
| 2. | another name for deadly nightshade |
| [C16: from Italian, literally: beautiful lady; supposed to refer to its use by women as a cosmetic] | |
| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
| a gadget; dingus; thingumbob. |
belladonna bel·la·don·na (běl'ə-dŏn'ə)
n.
A poisonous Eurasian perennial herb having usually solitary, purplish-brown, bell-shaped flowers and glossy black berries. Also called deadly nightshade.
An alkaloidal extract or tincture derived from this plant.
| belladonna (běl'ə-dŏn'ə) Pronunciation Key
A preparation of the dried leaves or roots of deadly nightshade or related plants in the genus Belladonna, once used as a medicine. Belladonna contains several alkaloids that affect the nervous system by blocking the effects of acetylcholine. |