derris
[ der-is ]
/ ˈdɛr ɪs /
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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.
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Origin of derris
1855–60; New Latin <Greek: a covering, derivative of déros skin, hide; see derma1
Words nearby derris
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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
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