noun
nightshade
NYTE-shayd/nˈaɪtʃˌeɪd/
A poisonous plant with dark berries, especially belladonna.
The nightshade beside the fence bears shiny, dark berries.
Etymology
Night and shade combine as 'shade of night,' perhaps an allusion to the black poisonous berries of the plant described in the source.
In context
Belladonna belongs to the nightshade family, which is same family as potatoes, but includes other poisonous plants like mandrake, henbane, and datura.
More examples
- She warns the children never to eat nightshade berries.
- The botanist identifies the poisonous plant as nightshade.
- Several nightshades grow along the edge of the woods.
Forms
nightshade · nightshades
Similar words
- belladonna
- Specifically names deadly nightshade, rather than other poisonous nightshades.