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oleander
noun
ole·an·der
ˈō-lē-ˌan-dər
ˌō-lē-ˈan-
: a poisonous evergreen shrub (Nerium oleander) of the dogbane family with clusters of fragrant white to red flowers
Examples of oleander in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are gardens of oleander, palms, and cacti, and a swimming pool beneath a folly of Greek columns.
—Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2024
My white oleander has become too tall with flowers on the tips.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2024
It was said that some of Alexander’s troops perished after using oleander skewers to cook their meat.
—Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2024
Isin recognized the plant as the poisonous oleander, which contains a chemical compound that, when ingested, can cause vomiting, nausea, cardiac arrhythmia, low blood pressure, even death.
—Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Medieval Latin, alteration of arodandrum, lorandrum, perhaps alteration of Latin rhododendron — more at rhododendron
First Known Use
1545, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near oleander
Cite this Entry
“Oleander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oleander. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
oleander
noun
ole·an·der
ˈō-lē-ˌan-dər
: a poisonous evergreen shrub with showy fragrant usually white, pink, or purple flowers
Medical Definition
oleander
noun
ole·an·der
ˈō-lē-ˌan-dər, ˌō-lē-ˈ
: a poisonous evergreen shrub (Nerium oleander) of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) with fragrant white to red flowers that contains oleandrin and was formerly used in medicine
More from Merriam-Webster on oleander
Nglish: Translation of oleander for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oleander
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