deadly nightshade

noun

deadly nightshade

a poisonous Eurasian solanaceous plant, Atropa belladonna, having dull purple bell-shaped flowers and small very poisonous black berries Also calledbelladonnadwale

First recorded in 1570–80

An alkaloid discovered by Brandes in atropa belladonna or deadly nightshade.

From these grounds men have expelled the poison ivy, the deadly nightshade, all burdocks and thistles.

At his words the creature vanished from before him; and on the spot where she had stood he saw an ugly bush of deadly nightshade.

Did you wish to remove a troublesome rival or an elder brother, you treated him to a dose of deadly nightshade.

Stupid little thing's been eating Deadly Nightshade again, I suppose.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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