datura

noun

da·tu·ra də-ˈt(y)u̇r-ə

: any of a genus (Datura) of widely distributed strong-scented herbs, shrubs, or trees of the nightshade family including some used as sources of medicinal alkaloids (such as stramonium) or in folk rites or illicitly for their poisonous, narcotic, or hallucinogenic properties compare jimsonweed

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Cuttings of datura and succulents culled from holidays in Greece or Malta or Portugal have taken to the arid Sardinian soil. —

Alexandra Marshall, WSJ, 29 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'datura.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Hindi dhatūrā jimsonweed (or a cognate descendant of Sanskrit dhattūraḥ)

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of datura was in 1598

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Datura.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/datura. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

datura

noun

da·tu·ra də-ˈt(y)u̇r-ə

capitalized : a genus of widely distributed strong-scented herbs, shrubs, or trees of the family Solanaceae including some used as sources of medicinal alkaloids (as stramonium from jimsonweed) or in folk rites or illicitly for their poisonous, narcotic, or hallucinogenic properties

: any plant or flower of the genus Datura