somniferous

American  

[som-nif-er-uhs, suhm-] / sɒmˈnɪf ər əs, səm- /

adjective

1. bringing or inducing sleep, as drugs or influences.

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somniferous British  

/ sɒmˈnɪfərəs /

adjective

1. rare tending to induce sleep

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Other Word Forms

• somniferously adverb

Etymology

Origin of somniferous

1595–1605; < Latin somnifer inducing sleep ( somni-, combining form of somnus sleep + -fer -fer ) + -ous

Example Sentences

Outfitted in squiggly patterned linens by Dusen Dusen, a Brooklyn designer, the bed was somniferously comfortable but seemed smaller than the advertised king size.

From New York Times

There is a bristly-bearded tailor too, very beery, having his last pint, who utters a similar somniferous intention.

From Project Gutenberg

The princess, put to sleep by Horpyna with a decoction of somniferous herbs, did not wake; her eyelids merely trembled a little from the light of the torch.

From Project Gutenberg

A “sleep-thorn,” or other somniferous piece of wood, is commonly employed in our fairy tales, in order to throw a hero or heroine into a magic slumber.

From Project Gutenberg

Instant around his heels his wings he binds; His rod somniferous grasps; nor leaves his cap.

From Project Gutenberg