belladonna

[ˌbeləˈdɒnə]

belladonna Definition

  • 1a poisonous plant native to Europe and Western Asia, with purple bell-shaped flowers and shining black berries.
  • 2a drug made from the deadly nightshade plant, used as a sedative and to dilate the pupils of the eyes.

Using belladonna: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "belladonna" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The belladonna plant is known for its toxic properties.

  • Example

    Belladonna is sometimes used in eye exams to dilate the pupils.

  • Example

    The use of belladonna as a sedative has been largely replaced by safer alternatives.

belladonna Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for belladonna

  • deadly nightshade
  • poisonous nightshade

Phrases with belladonna

  • the scientific name for the belladonna plant

    Example

    Atropa belladonna is a highly toxic plant that should not be ingested.

  • a group of drugs derived from the belladonna plant, used to treat a variety of conditions including irritable bowel syndrome and Parkinson's disease

    Example

    Belladonna alkaloids can have side effects such as dry mouth and blurred vision.

  • a plaster containing belladonna extract, used to relieve pain and inflammation

    Example

    The doctor prescribed a belladonna plaster to help with my back pain.

Origins of belladonna

from Italian 'bella donna', meaning 'beautiful lady'

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Summary: belladonna in Brief

Belladonna [ˌbeləˈdɒnə] is a poisonous plant native to Europe and Western Asia, with purple bell-shaped flowers and shining black berries. It is also a drug made from the deadly nightshade plant, used as a sedative and to dilate the pupils of the eyes. Belladonna is sometimes used in eye exams, but its use as a sedative has been largely replaced by safer alternatives.