noun

belladonna

beh-luh-DO-nuh

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Belladonna (noun) means a poisonous plant with purple, bell-shaped flowers and glossy black berries, also called deadly nightshade. Example: “The gardener warned the children never to touch the belladonna growing at the edge of the woods.”

noun

A poisonous plant with purple, bell-shaped flowers and glossy black berries, also called deadly nightshade.

"Witches always anointed themselves with ointments before departing up the chimney to their Sabbaths. One such ointment was composed of Aconite, Belladonna, Water Parsley, Cinquefoil and Babies' Fat." — Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art (1936)

"The gardener warned the children never to touch the belladonna growing at the edge of the woods."

A drug derived from this plant, containing atropine, once used to dilate the pupils and still used in some medicines.

"Doctors once used belladonna drops to widen a patient's pupils before an eye exam."

How to use belladonna

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA poisonous plant, also known as deadly nightshade, or the drug made from it.

Common mistake

Despite the pretty name, the plant and its berries are highly toxic.

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: belladonnas

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The gardener warned the children never to touch the _____ growing at the edge of the woods.

Etymology

From Italian bella donna, "beautiful lady," because women once used drops made from the plant to make their pupils look larger and more attractive.

Origin: Italian

Synonyms

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belladonna plant deadly nightshade

Rhymes for belladonna

nonna gonna donna Madonna Colonna primadonna

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Frequently asked questions

What does “belladonna” mean?

The word “belladonna” means a poisonous plant with purple, bell-shaped flowers and glossy black berries, also called deadly nightshade. In plain terms, a poisonous plant, also known as deadly nightshade, or the drug made from it.

How do you pronounce “belladonna”?

“Belladonna” is pronounced beh-luh-DO-nuh (/ˌbɛləˈdɑnə/ in IPA).

How do you use “belladonna” in a sentence?

Here is “belladonna” used in a sentence: “The gardener warned the children never to touch the belladonna growing at the edge of the woods.”

What part of speech is “belladonna”?

“Belladonna” is a noun.

Where does the word “belladonna” come from?

The word “belladonna” comes from Italian. From Italian bella donna, "beautiful lady," because women once used drops made from the plant to make their pupils look larger and more attractive.

How many meanings does “belladonna” have?

“Belladonna” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a poisonous plant with purple, bell-shaped flowers and glossy black berries, also called deadly nightshade.

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Words with Italian origins