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henbane

noun
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hen·​bane | \ ˈhen-ˌbān How to pronounce henbane (audio) \

Definition of henbane

: a poisonous fetid Eurasian herb (Hyoscyamus niger) of the nightshade family with yellowish-brown flowers and sticky hairy leaves that yield hyoscyamine and scopolamine

Examples of henbane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Fatur cites several cases involving angry behavior associated with plants related to henbane, containing the same alkaloids. — Jennifer Ouellette, Wired, 21 Sep. 2019 Fatur cites several cases involving angry behavior associated with plants related to henbane, containing the same alkaloids. — Jennifer Ouellette, Wired, 21 Sep. 2019 But now ethnobotanist Karsten Fatur says Vikings likely took henbane (below). — National Geographic, 11 Feb. 2020 Fatur cites several cases involving angry behavior associated with plants related to henbane, containing the same alkaloids. — Jennifer Ouellette, Wired, 21 Sep. 2019 Fatur cites several cases involving angry behavior associated with plants related to henbane, containing the same alkaloids. — Jennifer Ouellette, Wired, 21 Sep. 2019 Fatur cites several cases involving angry behavior associated with plants related to henbane, containing the same alkaloids. — Jennifer Ouellette, Wired, 21 Sep. 2019 Fatur cites several cases involving angry behavior associated with plants related to henbane, containing the same alkaloids. — Jennifer Ouellette, Wired, 21 Sep. 2019 Fatur cites several cases involving angry behavior associated with plants related to henbane, containing the same alkaloids. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 18 Sep. 2019 See More

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

First Known Use of henbane

13th century, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of henbane was in the 13th century

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Dictionary Entries Near henbane

hen and chickens

henbane

henbill

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Cite this Entry

“Henbane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/henbane. Accessed 30 Jun. 2022.

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More Definitions for henbane

henbane

noun
hen·​bane | \ ˈhen-ˌbān How to pronounce henbane (audio) \

Medical Definition of henbane

: a poisonous fetid Old World herb of the genus Hyoscyamus (H. niger) that has sticky hairy dentate leaves and yellowish brown flowers, contains the alkaloids hyoscyamine and scopolamine, and is the source of hyoscyamus

— called also black henbane, insane root

More from Merriam-Webster on henbane

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about henbane

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