belladonna

[ bel-uh-don-uh ]

noun

1. Also called deadly nightshade. a poisonous plant, Atropa belladonna, of the nightshade family, having purplish-red flowers and black berries.
2. Pharmacology. a drug from the leaves and root of this plant, containing atropine and related alkaloids: used in medicine to check secretions and spasms, to relieve pain or dizziness, and as a cardiac and respiratory stimulant.

belladonna

/ ˌbɛləˈdɒnə /

noun

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

belladonna

/ bĕl′ə-dŏn′ə /

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of belladonna¹

First recorded in 1590–1600, belladonna is from Italian bella donna literally, “fair lady” (so called because it is said to have been used by women to dilate the pupils of the eyes and to create an artificial pallor). See belle, donna

Word History and Origins

Origin of belladonna¹

C16: from Italian, literally: beautiful lady; supposed to refer to its use by women as a cosmetic

Example Sentences

The branches bloomed with belladonna, a sign of danger to come.

From Literature

A: Scopolamine is a compound found in certain toxic plants such as belladonna, angels trumpet and Jimson weed.

From Seattle Times

The plant is included in the nightshade family, which features a host of toxic and beneficial species, from tomatoes and eggplant to tobacco and belladonna.

From Salon

Another page looks like a word cloud, with Mercury scrawling dozens of words and phrases including “fandango,” “thunderbolts and lighting” and “belladonna.”

From New York Times

He kept himself going on a diet of opium, digitalis, belladonna and brandy.

From Washington Post