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

His clients include some of the biggest names in the industry, like Dana DeArmond and Belladonna.

From The Daily Beast

Take Aconite, Belladonna and Macrotin, 1st in rotation one dose a day.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Its effects are similar to those of belladonna, but considerably more powerful.

From Project Gutenberg

Popular name of a variety of house or conservatory tender bulbs, but properly applied only to the Belladonna Lily.

From Project Gutenberg

His lips trembled, and the pupils of his eyes were dilated, as if by a dose of belladonna.

From Project Gutenberg