rosary pea

noun

1. a woody tropical vine, Abrus precatorius , of the legume family, having extremely poisonous scarlet and black seeds that are used for beads and a root used as a substitute for licorice.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rosary pea¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Authorities also found a .22 caliber handgun without a serial number and abrin, a highly toxic substance found in the rosary pea seeds.

From Washington Times

Chamberlain said he wanted to use the abrin - a poison found in the seeds of a plant called the rosary pea - to “ease the suffering” of cancer patients, according to the affidavit.

From Washington Times

Chamberlain said he wanted to use the abrin — a poison found in the seeds of a plant called the rosary pea — to "ease the suffering" of cancer patients, according to the affidavit.

From US News

It was unclear, however, if Chamberlain ever received the poison that is found in the seeds of a plant called the rosary pea.

From Seattle Times

It was unclear, however, if Chamberlain ever received the poison that is found in the seeds of a plant called the rosary pea.

From Seattle Times