Henbane (Noun)
Meaning
Poisonous fetid Old World herb having sticky hairy leaves and yellow-brown flowers; yields hyoscyamine and scopolamine.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The garden contained a patch of henbane, its yellow-brown flowers and sticky leaves warning of its poisonous nature.
- The old apothecary kept a jar of dried henbane in his shop, but only sold it to those who knew its risks.
- The medieval herbalist warned of the dangers of henbane, citing its fetid smell and potent toxic properties.
- In the dark of night, the thief crept through the garden, avoiding the henbane that grew wild among the other herbs.
- The plant's unique combination of hyoscyamine and scopolamine made the henbane a valuable but treacherous ingredient in some potions.