nightshade

[ nahyt-sheyd ]

noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Solanum, especially the black nightshade or the bittersweet.
2. any of various other related plants, as the deadly nightshade.

nightshade

/ ˈnaɪtˌʃeɪd /

noun

1. any of various solanaceous plants, such as deadly nightshade, woody nightshade, and black nightshade
2. See enchanter's nightshade

Word History and Origins

Origin of nightshade¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English nihtscada. See night, shade

Word History and Origins

Origin of nightshade¹

Old English nihtscada, apparently night + shade , referring to the poisonous or soporific qualities of these plants

Example Sentences

Solanum elaeagnifolium -- also known as silverleaf nightshade -- can be found from south Texas to South Africa and Greece, infesting fields and soaking up valuable nutrients intended for cash crops.

From Science Daily

These discoveries are helping scientists to better understand the resilience and evolutionary story of Solanaceae, or nightshades, a sprawling family of plants that includes tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, peppers, tobacco and petunias.

From Science Daily

The specks turned out to be seeds of black henbane, a potently poisonous member of the nightshade family that can be medicinal or hallucinogenic depending on the dosage.

From New York Times

There are nightshades like eggplants and tomatoes as well as leaner Japanese eggplants and numerous kinds of peppers.

From National Geographic

At the farm’s labeled U-pick areas, visitors can pick a variety of produce for free, including tomatoes, cucumbers, African nightshade, amaranth, collards, corn and potatoes.

From Seattle Times