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poison oak
noun
1
: any of several plants related to poison ivy and producing an oil with similar irritating properties: such as
a
: a bushy plant (Toxicodendron diversilobum synonym Rhus diversiloba) of the Pacific coast
b
: a bushy plant (Toxicodendron toxicarium synonym Rhus toxicodendron) chiefly of the southeastern U.S.
Examples of poison oak in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Volatile weather and run-ins with wildlife and plants, such as rattlesnakes, mountain lions and poison oak, are just some of the elements that can derail a trip.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2024
Teach them to recognize poison oak and stinging nettle.
—Sara Okeefe, The Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2024
Other plants like poison oak and stinging nettle, a common herbal medicine that causes skin irritation when touched, may be irritating.
—Sara Okeefe, The Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2024
During the trial, a former student who is now 27 years old testified that Raines applied an ointment to a poison oak rash on his genital area.
—Cameron MacDonald, The Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2024
Its sparse plant life consists of scraggly shrubs and pines, along with thickets of poison oak.
—Heather Knight, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2023
This reporter didn’t experience anything out of the ordinary on this hike, though hikers should generally keep their eyes peeled for more common residents, like rattlesnakes and coyotes, and avoid uncomfortable encounters with poison oak.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2023
Toxicodendron is related to poison oak (T. diversilobum) and poison sumac (T. vernix), also called thunderwood in the South, and not be confused with shining or stag sumacs.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 29 July 2023
Poison hemlock typically isn't poisonous to the touch, like species such as poison ivy and poison oak.
—Marina Johnson, Detroit Free Press, 10 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'poison oak.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near poison oak
Cite this Entry
“Poison oak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poison%20oak. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
poison oak
noun
: any of several shrubby plants related to poison ivy and causing a similar rash
Medical Definition
poison oak
noun1
: any of several plants included in the genus Rhus or sometimes in the genus Toxicodendron that produce an irritating oil like that of poison ivy:
a
: a bushy plant (R. diversiloba synonym T. diversilobum) of the Pacific coast
b
: a bushy plant (R. toxicodendron synonym T. pubescens) of the southeastern United States
3
: a skin rash produced by poison oak
More from Merriam-Webster on poison oak
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about poison oak
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