noun
nightshade
NYT-shayd
noun
1
Any of a group of plants in the genus Solanum, some of which are poisonous, including black nightshade and the highly toxic deadly nightshade.
"Deadly nightshade produces small black berries that are extremely poisonous."
2
Loosely, any plant in the wider nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants.
"Some people avoid nightshades like tomatoes and peppers due to sensitivity."
How to Use Nightshade
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA plant family that includes both poisonous species and common vegetables like tomatoes and potatoes.
Common pairings
deadly nightshade
nightshade vegetables
Word Forms
nightshades plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “nightshade”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Deadly _____ produces small black berries that are extremely poisonous.
Etymology
From Old English nihtsceada, from night + shade, likely referring to the plant's dark berries or its use in causing drowsiness or hallucination.