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nightshade definition

night·shade (nīt′s̸hād′)

noun

  1. 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
  2. belladonna (sense )
  3. henbane

Etymology: 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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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