belladonna
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.”
How to use belladonna
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA poisonous plant, also known as deadly nightshade, or the drug made from it.
Despite the pretty name, the plant and its berries are highly toxic.
Word forms
belladonnas plural
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.
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for belladonna
See all rhymes for belladonna →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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