jimsonweed

noun, often capitalized jim·son·weed \ ˈjim(p)-sən-ˌwēd \

|Updated on: 1 Jul 2018

Definition of jimsonweed

: a poisonous tall annual weed (Datura stramonium) of the nightshade family with rank-smelling foliage, large white or violet trumpet-shaped flowers, and roundish prickly fruits — called also thorn apple

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Recent Examples of jimsonweed from the Web

Their hunt, which was meant to shed light on the religious and ritualistic history of smoking, had already yielded tobacco and jimsonweed residue in pipes dating back a few hundred years.

— michael price, Science | AAAS, "Americans have been lighting up for more than 3000 years, ancient pipe reveals," 15 June 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of jimsonweed

Jamestown, Virginia

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First Known Use: 1832

in the meaning defined above

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JIMSONWEED Defined for Kids

jimsonweed

noun jim·son·weed \ ˈjim-sən-ˌwēd \

Definition of jimsonweed for Students

: a poisonous weedy plant with bad-smelling leaves and large white or purple flowers

Medical Dictionary

jimsonweed

noun jim·son·weed

variants: also jimpsonweed play \ˈjim(p)-sən-ˌwēd\

medical Definition of jimsonweed

: a poisonous tall annual weed of the genus Datura (D. stramonium) that has rank-smelling foliage, large white or violet trumpet-shaped flowers, and prickly round fruits and that is a source of stramonium — called also Jamestown weed