sabadilla

noun

sab·​a·​dil·​la ˌsa-bə-ˈdi-lə How to pronounce sabadilla (audio)
-ˈdē-yə
: a Mexican plant (Schoenocaulon officinale) of the lily family
also : its seeds that are used as a source of veratrine and in insecticides

Word History

Etymology

Spanish cebadilla

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sabadilla was in 1812

Dictionary Entries Near sabadilla

Cite this Entry

“Sabadilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sabadilla. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

sabadilla

noun
sab·​a·​dil·​la ˌsab-ə-ˈdil-ə How to pronounce sabadilla (audio) -ˈdē-(y)ə How to pronounce sabadilla (audio)
: a Mexican plant (Schoenocaulon officinalis) of the lily family (Liliaceae)
also : its seeds that are used as a source of veratrine and in insecticides and formerly in a preparation against external parasites (as head lice)
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