aconite

[ ak-uh-nahyt ]

noun

1. any plant belonging to the genus Aconitum, of the buttercup family, having irregular flowers usually in loose clusters, including species with poisonous and medicinal properties.

aconite

/ ˌækəˈnɪtɪk; ˌækəˈnaɪtəm; ˈækəˌnaɪt /

noun

1. See winter aconite
   any of various N temperate plants of the ranunculaceous genus Aconitum, such as monkshood and wolfsbane, many of which are poisonous Compare winter aconite
2. the dried poisonous root of many of these plants, sometimes used as an antipyretic

Derived Forms

• aconitic, adjective

Other Words From

• ac·o·nit·ic [ak-, uh, -, nit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aconite¹

1570–80; < Latin aconītum < Greek akónīton leopard's-bane, wolfsbane

Word History and Origins

Origin of aconite¹

C16: via Old French or Latin from Greek akoniton aconite, monkshood

Example Sentences

Aconite … night boat … sea sick … emetics … exhaustion … stimulants … hard drinking … spontaneous combustion … animal charcoal.

From Project Gutenberg

There was the awesome efficiency of wolfsbane with its deadly store of aconite.

From Project Gutenberg

If they come on at the commencement of an ague chill, give Aconite and Bell.

From Project Gutenberg

For the fever and general nervous disturbance, Aconite and Bell.

From Project Gutenberg

Give the patient Aconite once in two hours, for a day after the accident.

From Project Gutenberg