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nightshade

(nīt′s̸hād′)

noun

any of a large genus (Solanum) of chiefly tropical plants of the nightshade family, with five-lobed leaves and flowers of various colors, including the black nightshade
belladonna (sense )
henbane

Origin: ME nichtheschode < OE nihtscada (see night & shade): ? with reference to narcotic qualities

adjective

designating a large family (Solanaceae, order Solanales) of poisonous and nonpoisonous dicotyledonous plants chiefly of warm regions, generally having a round stem, rank smell, and watery sap, and including the tobaccos, red peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, petunias, and eggplant

See nightshade in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Any of several plants of the genus Solanum, such as the bittersweet nightshade, most of which have a poisonous juice.
Any of various similar or related plants, such as belladonna.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English nihtscada

Origin: : niht, night; see night

Origin: + sceadu, shade

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