poison ivy

noun

Definition of poison ivy

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

See poison ivy defined for English-language learners

See poison ivy defined for kids

Examples of poison ivy in a Sentence

I got poison ivy all over my arm.

Illustration of poison ivy

First Known Use of poison ivy

1782

POISON IVY Defined for English Language Learners

poison ivy

noun

Definition of poison ivy for English Language Learners

: a common plant in the central and eastern U.S. that has leaves which cause a very itchy and painful rash on your skin if you touch them
: the rash that is caused by poison ivy

POISON IVY Defined for Kids

poison ivy

noun

Definition of poison ivy for Students

1 :a usually climbing plant that has leaves with three leaflets and can cause an itchy painful rash when touched

2 :a skin rash caused by poison ivy

Medical Dictionary

poison ivy

play

noun \ -ˈī-vē \

medical Definition of poison ivy

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 1b

2 :a skin rash produced by poison ivy