English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

henbane

HEN-bayn
Quiz me More like this

Henbane (noun) means a poisonous plant of the genus Hyoscyamus, especially Hyoscyamus niger, that has been used as a drug. Example: “Henbane is poisonous and should never be eaten.”

noun
1
A poisonous plant of the genus Hyoscyamus, especially Hyoscyamus niger, that has been used as a drug.
"Henbane is poisonous and should never be eaten."
"The herbalist wrote about henbane as a plant with strong effects."
"Black henbane is the best-known kind of henbane."

How to use henbane

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA poisonous plant that has been used as a drug.

When to use it

It is mostly used in writing about plants, herbal history and folklore.

Memory tip

Treat the word as a warning, since bane in the name points to poison.

Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
black henbane henbane seeds poisonous henbane
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like henbane.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Test yourself on “henbane” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ is poisonous and should never be eaten.

Etymology

It comes from Middle English henbane, made up of hen and bane, and it has counterparts in Danish and Swedish.

Origin: Middle English

black henbane stinking nightshade

Rhymes for henbane

See all rhymes for henbane →

Frequently asked questions

What is henbane?
It is a poisonous plant of the genus Hyoscyamus, most often Hyoscyamus niger.
What effects can henbane have?
It has been used as a drug that causes at least hallucinations, dilated pupils, restlessness and flushed skin.
What is another name for henbane?
Black henbane and stinking nightshade are recorded as other names.
What is the meaning of henbane?
"henbane" (noun) means a poisonous plant of the genus Hyoscyamus, especially Hyoscyamus niger, that has been used as a drug.
Definitions: FreeDict original editorial