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