nightshade

American  

[nahyt-sheyd] / ˈnaɪtˌʃeɪd /

noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Solanum, especially the black nightshade or the bittersweet.

2. any of various other related plants, as the deadly nightshade.

---

nightshade British  

/ ˈnaɪtˌʃeɪd /

noun

1. any of various solanaceous plants, such as deadly nightshade, woody nightshade, and black nightshade

2. See enchanter's nightshade

---

Etymology

Origin of nightshade

before 1000; Middle English; Old English nihtscada. See night, shade

Example Sentences

The plant is part of the black nightshade family and is harmful if eaten, especially its unripened berries or leaves, and can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, trembling, paralysis, coma or even death.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2024

Relatives of the plant, including Solanum ptychanthum or black nightshade, and Solanum carolinense, or Carolina horsenettle, also produce toxic berries and are native to Arkansas.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2024

On the farm, people grow culturally relevant produce like terere, kunde and managu — amaranth, cowpeas leaves and African nightshade.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 12, 2023

The plant is included in the nightshade family, which features a host of toxic and beneficial species, from tomatoes and eggplant to tobacco and belladonna.

From Salon • Jul. 15, 2023

I paint a glass jar, with a bouquet of nightshade rising out of it like smoke, like the darkness from a genie’s bottle.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood