poisonwood

[ poi-zuhn-wood ]

noun

1. a tree, Metopium toxiferum, of southern Florida, that has compound leaves and yellowish, berrylike fruits and is poisonous to touch.

Word History and Origins

Origin of poisonwood¹

An Americanism dating back to 1715–25; poison + wood ¹

Example Sentences

The “Poisonwood Bible” author on her career and her new novel, “Demon Copperhead,” which reboots “David Copperfield” in opioid-ravaged Appalachia.

From Los Angeles Times

Kingsolver has long woven social issues into her novels, which include “The Bean Trees” and “The Poisonwood Bible,” and helped establish the PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction.

From Seattle Times

The “Poisonwood Bible” author on her career and her new novel, “Demon Copperhead,” which reboots “David Copperfield” in opioid-ravaged Appalachia.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Poisonwood Bible” author on her career and her new novel, “Demon Copperhead,” which reboots “David Copperfield” in opioid-ravaged Appalachia.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Poisonwood Bible” author on her career and her new novel, “Demon Copperhead,” which reboots “David Copperfield” in opioid-ravaged Appalachia.

From Los Angeles Times