nightshade

American  

[nahyt-sheyd] / ˈnaɪtˌʃeɪd /

noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Solanum, especially the black nightshade or the bittersweet.

2. any of various other related plants, as the deadly nightshade.

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nightshade British  

/ ˈnaɪtˌʃeɪd /

noun

1. any of various solanaceous plants, such as deadly nightshade, woody nightshade, and black nightshade

2. See enchanter's nightshade

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Etymology

Origin of nightshade

before 1000; Middle English; Old English nihtscada. See night, shade

Example Sentences

"It detoxifies the body and is good in weight loss," says James Wathiru, who ordered "managu" - or African nightshade.

From BBC • Jul. 20, 2025

The plant is part of the black nightshade family and is harmful if eaten, especially its unripened berries or leaves, and can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, trembling, paralysis, coma or even death.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2024

Findings in both studies showed that the more silverleaf nightshade was mowed, the more it developed ways to avoid destruction, Kariyat said.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2024

At the farm’s labeled U-pick areas, visitors can pick a variety of produce for free, including tomatoes, cucumbers, African nightshade, amaranth, collards, corn and potatoes.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 8, 2023

I paint a glass jar, with a bouquet of nightshade rising out of it like smoke, like the darkness from a genie’s bottle.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood