Nightshade: meaning, definitions and examples

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nightshade

 

[ ˈnaɪtʃeɪd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

botanical term

Nightshade refers to a group of plants in the Solanaceae family, which includes both edible and toxic species. Common nightshades include tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants, but many species contain alkaloids that can be harmful if consumed improperly. The term is often used to describe plants that are associated with poisonous properties.

Synonyms

Solanaceae, belladonna, deadly nightshade

Examples of usage

  • The farmer grew several varieties of nightshade, including tomatoes and bell peppers.
  • Some people are allergic to nightshade vegetables.
  • The berries of the black nightshade plant are toxic and shouldn't be eaten.

Translations

Translations of the word "nightshade" in other languages:

🇵🇹 beladona

🇮🇳 रात की छाया

🇩🇪 Nachtschattengewächs

🇮🇩 nightshade

🇺🇦 блекота

🇵🇱 pokrzyk

🇯🇵 ナイトシェード

🇫🇷 morelle

🇪🇸 madrigal

🇹🇷 gece gölgesi

🇰🇷 밤그늘

🇸🇦 ظل الليل

🇨🇿 nightshade

🇸🇰 nočná tiene

🇨🇳 夜影

🇸🇮 nočna senca

🇮🇸 nótt skygging

🇰🇿 түн көлеңкесі

🇬🇪 ღამის ჩრდილი

🇦🇿 gecə kölgəsi

🇲🇽 sombra de la noche

Etymology

The word 'nightshade' originates from Middle English 'nightshade' (also written 'nightshade'), which is a combination of 'night' and 'shade.' The 'night' part refers to the fact that some nightshade plants, particularly the poisonous species like belladonna, often grow in shady or dark areas, while 'shade' signifies their association with darkness. The Solanaceae family has been known since ancient times, with uses ranging from medicinal to culinary. Historical texts often mention the dangers of specific nightshade plants, which contributed to their popularity in folklore and myth. Over time, the name 'nightshade' has become a general term for various species within this family, both lethal and edible, leading to some confusion. Today, the term is widely recognized, especially in discussions about dietary restrictions related to nightshade vegetables.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,824 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.