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.

---

nightshade British  

/ ˈnaɪtˌʃeɪd /

noun

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

2. See enchanter's nightshade

---

Etymology

Origin of nightshade

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

Example Sentences

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

Solanum elaeagnifolium -- also known as silverleaf nightshade -- can be found from south Texas to South Africa and Greece, infesting fields and soaking up valuable nutrients intended for cash crops.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2024

On the farm, people grow culturally relevant produce like terere, kunde and managu — amaranth, cowpeas leaves and African nightshade.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 12, 2023

The Solanaceae family is a vast one with more than 2,500 members including tomatoes, potatoes, chillies, aubergines, peppers, tobacco, deadly nightshade and henbane.

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2023

The nightshade plant is related to the potato, which accounts for the similar shape of the flowers.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood