manchineel

noun

man·​chi·​neel ˌman-chə-ˈnēl 

: a poisonous tropical American tree (Hippomane mancinella) of the spurge family having a blistering milky juice and apple-shaped fruit

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

If touched, the irritants found in manchineel sap can produce inflammation and painful blisters on the skin. —Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 1 July 2020

This is the family, Euphorbiaceae, to which the dreaded, nearly mythical manchineel tree (Hippomane mancinella) with its toxic fruit belongs. —Kenneth Setzer, Sun-Sentinel.com, 3 July 2017

Word History

Etymology

French mancenille, from Spanish manzanilla, from diminutive of manzana apple

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined above