aconite

American  

[ak-uh-nahyt] / ˈæk əˌnaɪt /

Also aconitum

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.

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aconite British  

/ ˈækəˌnaɪt, ˌækəˈnaɪtəm, ˌækəˈnɪtɪk /

noun

1. 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

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Other Word Forms

• aconitic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of aconite

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

Example Sentences

He said people who suspect they have accidentally ingested aconite "can't get to the hospital fast enough".

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2022

Diners presented to hospitals nearby with symptoms resembling that of aconite poisoning.

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2022

In 2017, a San Francisco woman died after consuming herbal tea that had traces of aconite in it.

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2022

Health officials said symptoms consistent with aconite poisoning are:

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2022

With the expectant treatment, in convulsive cases, about 28 per centum of the women die, although a use of aconite in these cases may better the prognosis.

From Essays In Pastoral Medicine by ?Malley, Austin