derris

[ der-is ]

/ ˈdɛr ɪs /

noun

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.

Nearby words

derp, derrick, derrida, derring-do, derringer, derris, derrière, derro, derry, dertrum, derv

Origin of derris

1855–60; New Latin < Greek: a covering, derivative of déros skin, hide; see derma¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for derris

derris

/ (ˈdɛrɪs) /

noun

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

Word Origin for derris

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

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