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Glite Dictionary
poisonous nightshade

poisonous nightshade

9.9
A plant with violet flowers and bright red berries that is very poisonous if eaten
  • noun
  • /ˈpɔɪzənəs ˈnaɪtʃeɪd/
translation icon : belladona
  • Research has examined the medicinal properties and dangers of poisonous nightshade.

Examples

  • The berries of poisonous nightshade can be fatal if eaten.

  • The poisonous nightshade can be deadly if consumed.

  • Gardeners are advised to remove poisonous nightshade from areas where children play.

  • I found a poisonous nightshade plant in my garden.

  • The berries of the poisonous nightshade can cause severe illness if eaten.

  • Farmers are warned to keep livestock away from poisonous nightshade due to its toxicity.

  • Children should be taught not to touch poisonous nightshade because it is very harmful.

Synonyms

Solanum dulcamara
vspoisonous nightshade
  • Specialized
9.9

A poisonous climbing plant with purple flowers and bright red berries, also called bittersweet nightshade

is the everyday common name rather than a scientific label
woody nightshade
vspoisonous nightshade
9.9

A poisonous climbing plant with purple flowers and red berries that often grows wild

is the general descriptive common name used widely
bittersweet nightshade
vspoisonous nightshade
9.9

A climbing plant with violet flowers and red berries that is poisonous

is the broader neutral description that emphasizes toxicity and color
climbing nightshade
vspoisonous nightshade
  • South African
9.8

A poisonous climbing plant with purple flowers and red berries

describes the plant generally by appearance and high toxicity

Antonyms

edible fruit
1 1.0

A fruit you can safely eat that is usually sweet

Surface Forms

poisonous nightshade singular
poisonous nightshades plural

Morphology

poisonous + nightshade

The phrase is fully compositional: the adjective 'poisonous' simply qualifies the noun 'nightshade', indicating a nightshade plant that is toxic. A B1 learner who knows both constituent words can straightforwardly derive the MWE's meaning because it follows regular adjective+noun composition common across languages.

Etymology

Poisonous nightshade gets its name from the words night and shade: it grows in dark, shady places and has bright, tempting berries that can be deadly. Because eating those berries can kill, the name warns that the plant is 'poisonous'.