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henbane

noun
hen·​bane | \ ˈhen-ˌbān How to pronounce henbane (audio) \

Definition of henbane

: a poisonous fetid Eurasian herb (Hyoscyamus niger) of the nightshade family with yellowish-brown flowers and sticky hairy leaves that yield hyoscyamine and scopolamine

Examples of henbane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Rasputin also affected the Tsar's ability to rule: By the time Nicholas decided to abdicate the throne in 1917, Rasputin had the Tsar on a steady diet of hashish psychoactive herb henbane. — Elena Nicolaou, refinery29.com, "The Dramatic True Story Of Russia's Last Dynasty, The Romanovs," 5 July 2019

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

First Known Use of henbane

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for henbane

henbane

noun
hen·​bane | \ ˈhen-ˌbān How to pronounce henbane (audio) \

Medical Definition of henbane

: a poisonous fetid Old World herb of the genus Hyoscyamus (H. niger) that has sticky hairy dentate leaves and yellowish brown flowers, contains the alkaloids hyoscyamine and scopolamine, and is the source of hyoscyamus

— called also black henbane, insane root

More from Merriam-Webster on henbane

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with henbane

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about henbane

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