noun

aconite

AK-uh-nyt

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Aconite (noun) means a poisonous plant of the genus Aconitum, also called wolfsbane or monkshood. Example: “Aconite grows well in shaded borders but every part of the plant is toxic.”

noun

A poisonous plant of the genus Aconitum, also called wolfsbane or monkshood.

"Aconite grows well in shaded borders but every part of the plant is toxic."

"Gardeners are warned to wear gloves when handling aconite."

"The hooded blue flowers of aconite make it easy to spot in late summer."

toxicology A poison or medicine made from the plant Aconitum napellus.

"The pathologist found traces of aconite in the victim's blood."

"In small, controlled doses, aconite was once used as a medicine."

"Historical poisoners favoured aconite because it was hard to detect."

How to use aconite

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA poisonous plant, and the toxic substance drawn from it.

When to use it

It appears mostly in gardening writing and in toxicology or crime contexts.

Memory tip

Aconite, wolfsbane and monkshood all refer to the same plant, so you may meet any of the three names.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a dose of aconite aconite poisoning traces of aconite aconite flowers

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ grows well in shaded borders but every part of the plant is toxic.

Etymology

The word passed into English from French aconit, which came from the Latin aconitum, itself borrowed from an Ancient Greek word for the same plant.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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wolfsbane

Related words

wolfsbane

Rhymes for aconite

rite bite lite kite cite mite site white write trite smite quite

See all rhymes for aconite →

Frequently asked questions

What is aconite?

Aconite is a poisonous plant, also known as wolfsbane or monkshood, and also the name of the toxic extract taken from it.

Is aconite dangerous?

Yes, every part of the aconite plant is poisonous, and the extract has long been used as a poison.

Why is aconite also called monkshood?

It gets that name from the shape of its flower, which resembles a hood.

What is the meaning of aconite?

"aconite" (noun) means a poisonous plant of the genus Aconitum, also called wolfsbane or monkshood.

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