poison ivy

noun

1

a

: a climbing plant (Toxicodendron radicans synonym Rhus radicans) of the cashew family that is especially common in the eastern and central U.S., that has ternate leaves, greenish flowers, and white berries, and that produces an irritating oil causing a usually intensely itching skin rash

b

: any of several plants closely related to poison ivy

2

: a skin rash caused by poison ivy

Illustration of poison ivy

• poison ivy 1a

Examples of poison ivy in a Sentence

I got poison ivy all over my arm.

Recent Examples on the Web

Doctors often prescribe topical steroids for a host of conditions: psoriasis, poison ivy, dermatitis, eczema. —David Oliver, USA TODAY, 2 Aug. 2023

More:Now is the worst time of year for poison ivy exposure in Wisconsin, experts say More:No yard is too small to go with earth-friendly native plants But can't long stretches of drought or extreme heat kill grass? —Christopher Kuhagen, Journal Sentinel, 7 June 2023

The term was coined for land next to the road where nothing will grow, except perhaps undesirables such as crabgrass and poison ivy. —Tovah Martin, Washington Post, 12 July 2023

Common poison ivy symptoms | Can a poison ivy rash spread on my body? —Colleen Stinchcombe, SELF, 11 July 2023

Swelling and other symptoms typically develop 24 to 36 hours after exposure (think: a poison ivy reaction), Dr. Friedman says. —Alexis Jones, Women's Health, 14 Mar. 2023

Alcohol can also dissolve the oils poison ivy leaves behind and help wash it away. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Sep. 2022

The plant commonly known as poison ivy is known by the scientific name, Toxicodendron radicans. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 29 July 2023

Thankfully, the right poison ivy rash treatment can help with that last part. —Colleen Stinchcombe, SELF, 11 July 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

poison ivy

noun

1

: a usually climbing plant that is related to the sumacs, has leaves usually with three leaflets, greenish flowers, white berries, and leaves and stems that when bruised and touched may cause an itching rash on the skin

2

: a skin rash caused by poison ivy

Medical Definition

poison ivy

noun

-ˈī-vē 

1

a

: a climbing plant of the genus Rhus (R. radicans synonym Toxicodendron radicans) that is especially common in the eastern and central United States, that has leaves in groups of three, greenish flowers, and white berries, and that produces an acutely irritating oil causing a usually intensely itching skin rash

b

: any of several plants closely related to poison ivy

especially : poison oak sense 1b

2

: a skin rash produced by poison ivy