poison mercury
- noun
- US
:
mercurio venenoso
- The white berries of poison mercury are attractive but should never be touched.
Examples
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Many hikers developed a rash after brushing against poison mercury in the woods.
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Learning to identify poison mercury is essential for anyone spending time outdoors in the region.
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The poison mercury plant can be found in many gardens.
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Be careful around poison mercury because it can cause skin rashes.
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Learning to identify poison mercury is essential for anyone spending time outdoors in the region.
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Many hikers developed a rash after brushing against poison mercury in the woods.
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Be careful around poison mercury because it can cause skin rashes.
Synonyms
9
4.2
A climbing plant with three leaflets and white berries that causes an itchy rash when touched
A climbing plant with three-part leaves and white berries that can cause an itchy rash
A climbing plant with three-part leaves and white berries that makes an oil causing skin rashes when touched
A climbing or spreading North American plant with three-part leaves that makes an oil causing a skin rash when touched
How Irritating
- US
15
6.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a lexicalized botanical name: knowing 'poison' (a harmful substance) and 'mercury' (the toxic metal or element) does not allow a learner to infer a climbing plant with three-part leaves and white berries. A B1 learner is more likely to interpret the phrase as 'poisonous mercury' or something chemical rather than a plant species, so the meaning is not derivable from the constituents.
Etymology
The plant poison mercury may get its name from its oily juice that can poison the skin and from older plant names that used mercury for shiny white berries. So the name warns you it can cause a 'rash' if you touch it.