belladonna
noun
Meaning
A poisonous perennial plant with purple bell-shaped flowers and black berries, containing alkaloids used in medicine and historically in cosmetics.
Examples
- The gardener warned that every part of the belladonna plant is extremely poisonous if ingested.
- Historically, women used diluted belladonna drops to enlarge their pupils, believing it made them more attractive.
Synonyms: deadly nightshade, atropa belladonna