derris

[ der-is ]

noun

1. any East Indian plant belonging to the genus Derris, of the legume family, especially D. elliptica, the roots of which contain rotenone and are used as an insecticide.

derris

/ ˈdɛrɪs /

noun

1. any East Indian leguminous woody climbing plant of the genus Derris , esp D. elliptica, whose roots yield the compound rotenone

Word History and Origins

Origin of derris¹

1855–60; New Latin < Greek: a covering, derivative of déros skin, hide; derma ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of derris¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek: covering, leather, from deros skin, hide, from derein to skin