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poison-berry

poison-berry

9.9
A plant from Europe and Asia with white flowers, hairy leaves, and black berries that can make people sick
  • noun
  • /ˈpɔɪzənˌbɛri/
  • UK
translation icon : bayas venenosas
  • The poison-berry plant thrived along the fence, its dark fruit standing out amid the leaves.

Examples

  • Some birds can safely consume poison-berries that are toxic to humans.

  • Don't touch the poison-berry leaves!

  • Children are warned not to eat the poison-berry due to its unpredictable effects.

  • The poison-berry plant is known for its striking appearance.

  • Children are warned not to eat the poison-berry because its berries can be toxic.

  • Some birds are able to eat poison-berries safely, while they can be dangerous for humans.

  • The leaves of the poison-berry plant should not be touched, as they are poisonous.

Synonyms

poisonberry
vspoison-berry
  • US
9.9

A small plant with black berries and hairy leaves that can make people sick

is written with a hyphen rather than as one word
Solanum nigrum
vspoison-berry
  • Specialized
9.9

A small plant with white flowers and black berries that can be poisonous or sometimes edible

uses a general descriptive name instead of the scientific label
common nightshade
vspoison-berry
  • UK
7.9

A plant from Europe and Asia with white flowers and black berries that can be poisonous

is the botanical description rather than the common name
black nightshade
vspoison-berry
9.3

A plant with white flowers and black berries whose parts can be poisonous

specifies hairy poisonous foliage as an identifying trait

Surface Forms

poison-berry singular

Morphology

poison-berry = poison + berry (transparent) = poison + berry

A straightforward compound 'poison' + 'berry' meaning a berry associated with poison; learners can infer a poisonous or dangerous berry from the parts.

Etymology

Poison-berry is a clear compound of poison ('harmful substance') and berry ('small fruit'). The name is a warning: the fruit can be 'dangerous' for people even though some birds eat it safely, so the word helps you remember to be careful.