belladonna

[ bel-uh-don-uh ]

/ ˌbɛl əˈdɒn ə /

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noun

Also called deadly nightshade. a poisonous plant, Atropa belladonna, of the nightshade family, having purplish-red flowers and black berries.

Pharmacology. a drug from the leaves and root of this plant, containing atropine and related alkaloids: used in medicine to check secretions and spasms, to relieve pain or dizziness, and as a cardiac and respiratory stimulant.

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Origin of belladonna

First recorded in 1590–1600, belladonna is from Italian bella donna literally, “fair lady” (so called because it is said to have been used by women to dilate the pupils of the eyes and to create an artificial pallor). See belle, donna

Words nearby belladonna

Belize City, bell, Bella, Bellabella, Bellacoola, belladonna, belladonna lily, Bellaire, Bell, Alexander Graham, Bellamy, bell arch

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use belladonna in a sentence

His clients include some of the biggest names in the industry, like Dana DeArmond and Belladonna.
Top 5 Reasons Porn-for-Profit Is Dying|Richard Abowitz|January 10, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Take Aconite, Belladonna and Macrotin, 1st in rotation one dose a day.
An Epitome of Homeopathic Healing Art|B. L. Hill
An alkaloid discovered by Brandes in atropa belladonna or deadly nightshade.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley
Its effects are similar to those of belladonna, but considerably more powerful.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley

Popular name of a variety of house or conservatory tender bulbs, but properly applied only to the Belladonna Lily.
The Practical Garden-Book|C. E. Hunn
His lips trembled, and the pupils of his eyes were dilated, as if by a dose of belladonna.
From the Caves and Jungles of Hindostan|Helena Pretrovna Blavatsky

British Dictionary definitions for belladonna

belladonna

/ (ˌbɛləˈdɒnə) /

noun

either of two alkaloid drugs, atropine or hyoscyamine, obtained from the leaves and roots of the deadly nightshade

another name for deadly nightshade

Word Origin for belladonna

C16: from Italian, literally: beautiful lady; supposed to refer to its use by women as a cosmetic

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for belladonna

belladonna

[ bĕl′ə-dŏn′ə ]

A preparation of the dried leaves or roots of deadly nightshade or related plants in the genus Belladonna, once used as a medicine. Belladonna contains several alkaloids that affect the nervous system by blocking the effects of acetylcholine.