toothache tree

noun

1. prickly ash ( def 1 ).

toothache tree

noun

1. another name for prickly ash

Word History and Origins

Origin of toothache tree¹

An Americanism dating back to 1720–30

Example Sentences

The prickly ash tree, Xanthoxylum, is also known as the tickle‑ tongue tree or the toothache tree because its sap or berries produce a numbing, tingling sensation when ingested.

From Scientific American

Like I’d chewed the bark from a toothache tree and it had made me dizzy.

From Literature