poison ivy

noun

a vine or shrub, Rhus radicans, having trifoliate leaves and whitish berries and causing severe dermatitis when touched by persons sensitive to it.
poison oak.
the rash caused by touching poison ivy.

Origin of poison ivy

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Words nearby poison ivy

poison bean, poison dogwood, poison gas, poison haw, poison hemlock, poison ivy, poison oak, poison pill, poison sumac, poison sumach, poison-arrow frog

Example sentences from the Web for poison ivy

British Dictionary definitions for poison ivy

poison ivy

noun

any of several North American anacardiaceous shrubs or vines of the genus Rhus (or Toxicodendron), esp R. radicans, which has small green flowers and whitish berries that cause an itching rash on contact See also sumach (def. 1)

Medical definitions for poison ivy

poison ivy

n.

A North American shrub or vine that has compound leaves with three leaflets, small green flowers, and whitish berries and that causes a rash on contact. poison oak