belladonna

American  

[bel-uh-don-uh] / ˌbɛl əˈdɒn ə /

noun

1. Also called deadly nightshade.  a poisonous plant, Atropa belladonna, of the nightshade family, having purplish-red flowers and black berries.

2. Pharmacology. a drug from the leaves and root of this plant, containing atropine and related alkaloids: used in medicine to check secretions and spasms, to relieve pain or dizziness, and as a cardiac and respiratory stimulant.

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belladonna British  

/ ˌbɛləˈdɒnə /

noun

1. either of two alkaloid drugs, atropine or hyoscyamine, obtained from the leaves and roots of the deadly nightshade

2. another name for deadly nightshade

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belladonna Scientific  

/ bĕl′ə-dŏn′ə /

1. A preparation of the dried leaves or roots of deadly nightshade or related plants in the genus Belladonna, once used as a medicine. Belladonna contains several alkaloids that affect the nervous system by blocking the effects of acetylcholine.

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Etymology

Origin of belladonna

First recorded in 1590–1600, belladonna is from Italian bella donna literally, “fair lady” (so called because it is said to have been used by women to dilate the pupils of the eyes and to create an artificial pallor). See belle, donna