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noun

nightshade

NYT-shayd
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Nightshade (noun) means any of a group of plants in the genus Solanum, some of which are poisonous, including black nightshade and the highly toxic deadly nightshade. Example: “Deadly nightshade produces small black berries that are extremely poisonous.”

noun
1
Any of a group of plants in the genus Solanum, some of which are poisonous, including black nightshade and the highly toxic deadly nightshade.
"Deadly nightshade produces small black berries that are extremely poisonous."
2
Loosely, any plant in the wider nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants.
"Some people avoid nightshades like tomatoes and peppers due to sensitivity."

How to use nightshade

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA plant family that includes both poisonous species and common vegetables like tomatoes and potatoes.

Common pairings
deadly nightshade nightshade vegetables
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Word forms

Plural
nightshades
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Deadly _____ produces small black berries that are extremely poisonous.

Etymology

From Old English nihtsceada, from night + shade, likely referring to the plant's dark berries or its use in causing drowsiness or hallucination.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for nightshade

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Frequently asked questions

What does “nightshade” mean?
The word “nightshade” means any of a group of plants in the genus Solanum, some of which are poisonous, including black nightshade and the highly toxic deadly nightshade. In plain terms, a plant family that includes both poisonous species and common vegetables like tomatoes and potatoes.
How do you pronounce “nightshade”?
“Nightshade” is pronounced NYT-shayd (/ˈnaɪt.ʃeɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “nightshade” in a sentence?
Here is “nightshade” used in a sentence: “Deadly nightshade produces small black berries that are extremely poisonous.”
What part of speech is “nightshade”?
“Nightshade” is a noun.
Where does the word “nightshade” come from?
The word “nightshade” comes from Old English. From Old English nihtsceada, from night + shade, likely referring to the plant's dark berries or its use in causing drowsiness or hallucination.
How many meanings does “nightshade” have?
“Nightshade” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any of a group of plants in the genus Solanum, some of which are poisonous, including black nightshade and the highly toxic deadly nightshade.