water hemlock

noun

1. any of several poisonous plants belonging to the genus Cicuta, of the parsley family, as C. virosa of Europe, and C. maculata of North America, growing in swamps and marshy places.

water hemlock

noun

1. another name for cowbane

Word History and Origins

Origin of water hemlock¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

Among them were a species of prune, the water-hemlock, and the strawberry.

From Project Gutenberg

The earliest treatise on poisoning by the water-hemlock is by Wepfer.

From Project Gutenberg

Our water hemlock is equally poisonous, and much more common.

From Project Gutenberg

The water hemlock (Cicuta virosa) produces symptoms not unlike those of hemlock; it has been mistaken for parsnip and celery.

From Project Gutenberg

Percy, the future artist known as Charles, was born in England and died at the Glen from eating water hemlock.

From Project Gutenberg