belladonna

[ bel-uh-don-uh ]
/ ˌbɛl əˈdɒn ə /

noun

Also called deadly nightshade. a poisonous plant, Atropa belladonna, of the nightshade family, having purplish-red flowers and black berries.
Pharmacology. a drug from the leaves and root of this plant, containing atropine and related alkaloids: used in medicine to check secretions and spasms, to relieve pain or dizziness, and as a cardiac and respiratory stimulant.

Origin of belladonna

First recorded in 1590–1600, belladonna is from the Italian word bella donna literally, fair lady (so called because it is said to have been used by women to dilate the pupils of the eyes and to create an artificial pallor). See belle, donna

Words nearby belladonna

bell-shaped curve, bell-topper, bella, bellabella, bellacoola, belladonna, belladonna alkaloids, belladonna lily, bellaire, bellamy, bellari

Example sentences from the Web for belladonna

British Dictionary definitions for belladonna

belladonna
/ (ˌbɛləˈdɒnə) /

noun

either of two alkaloid drugs, atropine or hyoscyamine, obtained from the leaves and roots of the deadly nightshade
another name for deadly nightshade

Word Origin for belladonna

C16: from Italian, literally: beautiful lady; supposed to refer to its use by women as a cosmetic

Medical definitions for belladonna

belladonna
[ bĕl′ə-dŏn′ə ]

n.

A poisonous Eurasian perennial herb having usually solitary, purplish-brown, bell-shaped flowers and glossy black berries. deadly nightshade
An alkaloidal extract or tincture derived from this plant.

Scientific definitions for belladonna

belladonna
[ bĕl′ə-dŏn′ə ]

A preparation of the dried leaves or roots of deadly nightshade or related plants in the genus Belladonna, once used as a medicine. Belladonna contains several alkaloids that affect the nervous system by blocking the effects of acetylcholine.