hyoscyamus

[ hahy-uh-sahy-uh-muhs ]

noun

1. the dried leaves, with or without the tops, of the henbane, Hyoscyamus niger, containing the alkaloids hyoscyamine and scopolamine, used in medicine.

hyoscyamus

/ ˌhaɪəˈsaɪəməs /

noun

1. any plant of the solanaceous genus Hyoscyamus, of Europe, Asia, and N Africa, including henbane

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyoscyamus¹

1700–10; < New Latin < Greek hyoskýamos, equivalent to hyós (genitive of hŷs hog) + kýamos bean

Word History and Origins

Origin of hyoscyamus¹

C18: from New Latin, from Greek huoskuamos, from hus pig + kuamos bean; the plant was thought to be poisonous to pigs

Example Sentences

He prepared a boiled oil of hyoscyamus, or henbane, in the usual way, with common oil.

From Project Gutenberg

Children tolerate hyoscyamus in doses proportionally larger than can be taken by adults.

From Project Gutenberg

In the various forms of insanity the tranquilizing influence of hyoscyamus is highly esteemed.

From Project Gutenberg

With it should be associated other remedies, like hyoscyamus and chloral hydrate, in order to procure sleep.

From Project Gutenberg

Hyoscyamus, belladonna, and cannabis indica are useful when the pupils are contracted and when spasmodic symptoms are present.

From Project Gutenberg