nightshade

[ nahyt-sheyd ]

noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Solanum, especially the black nightshade or the bittersweet.
2. any of various other related plants, as the deadly nightshade.

nightshade

/ ˈnaɪtˌʃeɪd /

noun

1. any of various solanaceous plants, such as deadly nightshade, woody nightshade, and black nightshade
2. See enchanter's nightshade

Word History and Origins

Origin of nightshade¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English nihtscada. See night, shade

Word History and Origins

Origin of nightshade¹

Old English nihtscada, apparently night + shade , referring to the poisonous or soporific qualities of these plants

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

We do not place among them that popular plant, the potato, though it has the blood of the nightshade in its veins.

From Project Gutenberg

Webster recrossed the woods as he had entered it, waded through the nightshade and climbed the fence under the dark tree.

From Project Gutenberg

Some berries of several plants belonging to the nightshade family have this peculiarity, as well as some of the cucurbits.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg