hellebore

[ hel-uh-bawr, -bohr ]

noun

1. any of numerous plants of the genus Helleborus in the buttercup family, several of which, as the Christmas rose, are cultivated for their foliage and clusters of flowers as well as their tolerance of shade: all Helleborus species are toxic.
2. false hellebore.
3. any of several poisonous or medicinal substances extracted or prepared from these plants.

hellebore

/ ˈhɛlɪˌbɔː /

noun

1. See Christmas rose
   any plant of the Eurasian ranunculaceous genus Helleborus, esp H. niger (black hellebore), typically having showy flowers and poisonous parts See also Christmas rose
2. any of various liliaceous plants of the N temperate genus Veratrum, esp V. album, that have greenish flowers and yield alkaloids used in the treatment of heart disease

Word History and Origins

Origin of hellebore¹

First recorded before 1000; Old English elleborum, from Latin (h)elleborus, (h)elleborum, reinforced by Old French ellebre, elebore, Middle English el(l)ebre, eleure, or directly from Medieval Latin eleborus, from Greek (h)elléboros; further origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of hellebore¹

C14: from Greek helleboros, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

She needs six grains of hellebore, Monsieur; her brain is turned.

From Project Gutenberg

From the infusion or decoction of black hellebore (Helleborus officinalis).

From Project Gutenberg

A little hellebore in powder, to make her sneeze, is in this case very proper.

From Project Gutenberg

The wild hellebore carries its greenish-white flowers upon stalks as high as one's head.

From Project Gutenberg

But recently I heard of a lady who was severely poisoned in using dry Hellebore.

From Project Gutenberg