upas

noun \ ˈyü-pəs \

Definition of upas

1 : a tall tropical Asian tree (Antiaris toxicaria) of the mulberry family with a latex that contains poisonous glycosides used as an arrow poison; also : a poisonous concentrate of the juice or latex of a upas

2 : a poisonous or harmful influence or institution

Recent Examples of upas from the Web

The deadly upas, root and branch, leaf and fibre, body and sap, must be utterly destroyed.

— frederick douglass, The Atlantic, "‘A Treacherous President Stood in the Way’," 16 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'upas.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.