somniferous

[ som-nif-er-uhs, suhm- ]

adjective

1. bringing or inducing sleep, as drugs or influences.

somniferous

/ sɒmˈnɪfərəs /

adjective

1. rare.
   tending to induce sleep

Derived Forms

• somˈniferously, adverb

Other Words From

• som·nifer·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of somniferous¹

1595–1605; < Latin somnifer inducing sleep ( somni-, combining form of somnus sleep + -fer -fer ) + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of somniferous¹

C17: from Latin somnifer (from somnus sleep + ferre to do) + -ous

Example Sentences

I did not find the jolting of the cart at all disagreeable; on the contrary, it had quite a somniferous effect upon me.

From Project Gutenberg

This yelp, sounding above the somniferous monotone of grumbling, stirred Cap'n Sproul from his dozing.

From Project Gutenberg

They were aware of the somniferous properties of the sap, and Dioscorides2005 mentions the variety with white seeds.

From Project Gutenberg

It was of a remarkably somniferous character,—the cunning Le Duc had evidently some object in playing thus.

From Project Gutenberg

Night otherwise fallen dark and somniferous to modern mankind.

From Project Gutenberg