manchineel

[ man-chuh-neel ]

noun

1. a tropical American tree or shrub, Hippomane mancinella, of the spurge family, having a milky, highly caustic, poisonous sap.

manchineel

/ ˌmæntʃɪˈniːl /

noun

1. a tropical American euphorbiaceous tree, Hippomane mancinella, having fruit and milky highly caustic poisonous sap, which causes skin blisters

Word History and Origins

Origin of manchineel¹

1620–30; earlier mancinell, mançanilla < French mancenille and its source, Spanish manzanilla, diminutive of manzana apple, Old Spanish mazana < Latin ( māla ) Matiāna (apples) of Matius Roman author of a cooking manual (1st century b.c.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of manchineel¹

C17: via French from Spanish manzanilla

Example Sentences

The poison in this case is supposed to have been the Manchineel (Hippomane).

From Project Gutenberg

The poisonous manchineel was observed, a drop of whose milky juice will burn the flesh like vitriol.

From Project Gutenberg

I took one and cut it in two, remarking that it contained a circle of seeds or pips, instead of the stone of the manchineel.

From Project Gutenberg

"You went to sleep under the shade of some poison-trees, manchineel trees, we call them here," the doctor explained.

From Project Gutenberg

Especially I warned them against the manchineel, which ought to grow in this part of the world.

From Project Gutenberg