derris

[der-is]

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.

Origin of derris

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

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British Dictionary definitions for derris

derris

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