derris

[ der-is ]

noun

1. any East Indian plant belonging to the genus Derris, of the legume family, especially D. elliptica, the roots of which contain rotenone and are used as an insecticide.

derris

/ ˈdɛrɪs /

noun

1. any East Indian leguminous woody climbing plant of the genus Derris , esp D. elliptica, whose roots yield the compound rotenone

Word History and Origins

Origin of derris¹

1855–60; New Latin < Greek: a covering, derivative of déros skin, hide; derma ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of derris¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek: covering, leather, from deros skin, hide, from derein to skin

Example Sentences

Later, the Tigers made it 10-0 when Ja’Derris Carr rushed in from the 1-yard line for his first career touchdown.

From Seattle Times

News outlets report that a Lee County judge sentenced 29-year-old Jacquavious Greathouse of Auburn on Thursday in the deaths of 27-year-old Sedric Lewis and 31-year-old Derris Harris.

From Washington Times

Nahsiem McIntosh, 21, and Derris Lloyd, 35, were indicted on gun charges by a federal grand jury Tuesday, according to a news release from the U.S.

From Washington Times

Image from Everlane’s Instagram account Derris, a PR firm that represents Everlane, told Vogue that Everlane’s customer experience team didn’t have enough signatures to establish a clear majority.

From The Verge

Jesse Derris, a spokesman for Joshua Kushner, confirmed the purchase, as did a spokesman for the N.B.A.

From New York Times