poison ivy

noun

1. a vine or shrub, Rhus radicans, having trifoliate leaves and whitish berries and causing severe dermatitis when touched by persons sensitive to it.
2. poison oak.
3. the rash caused by touching poison ivy.

poison ivy

noun

1. any of several North American anacardiaceous shrubs or vines of the genus Rhus (or Toxicodendron ), esp R. radicans, which has small green flowers and whitish berries that cause an itching rash on contact See also sumach

Word History and Origins

Origin of poison ivy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

We covered about 150 miles in all, crossing creeks, dodging rattlesnakes and poison ivy, climbing up and around switchbacks.

From Los Angeles Times

Natural healers promote oats to help soothe the skin from skin ailments including itchiness, dryness, oiliness, eczema, dermatitis, bug bites, and poison ivy.

From National Geographic

So, if you go to those places, you're susceptible to irritation caused by poison ivy, which can lead to reactions that require medical attention.

From Science Daily

On Saturday, the president defined Islamophobia and xenophobia, which he said “engulf Western societies like poison ivy,” as the greatest threats to human rights.

From Seattle Times

"It was very inflamed, like a poison ivy reaction," Lu said.

From Science Daily