hyoscyamus

American  

[hahy-uh-sahy-uh-muhs] / ˌhaɪ əˈsaɪ ə məs /

noun

1. the dried leaves, with or without the tops, of the henbane, Hyoscyamus niger, containing the alkaloids hyoscyamine and scopolamine, used in medicine.

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hyoscyamus British  

/ ˌhaɪəˈsaɪəməs /

noun

1. any plant of the solanaceous genus Hyoscyamus, of Europe, Asia, and N Africa, including henbane

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Etymology

Origin of hyoscyamus

1700–10; < New Latin < Greek hyoskýamos, equivalent to hyós (genitive of hŷs hog) + kýamos bean

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hyoscyamus

This is by far the best preparation, the hyoscyamus being added to prevent the pain and griping which is attendant on the use of colocynth alone.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 6 "Cockaigne" to "Columbus, Christopher" by Various

In fact it is closely allied to hyoscyamus, whose active principle, hyoscin, is used in modern medicine precisely for such purposes.

From The Evolution of the Dragon by Smith, G. Elliot

Sorra screed! not as much as a powder or a draught,—barrin'," said he, suddenly catching the altered expression of the sick man's face, "a little mixture of hyoscyamus I' ll compound for you myself.

From The Fortunes Of Glencore by Lever, Charles James

The former pills were intended only to allay the primary violence of the disease, and when that object is attained, the following remedy may be employed:— Extract of hyoscyamus One grain to four grains.

From The Dog by Dinks

This fluid is henbane —that is the commercial name of it—known to the profession, however, as hyoscyamus or hyoscyamine.

From Raspberry Jam by Wells, Carolyn