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'
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.
