wolfsbane

IPA/ˈwʊlfs.beɪn/
IPA/ˈwʊlfs.beɪn/

wolfsbane — noun

1. a wild poisonous plant whose hood-shaped flowers can be purple or yellow, with r

1.nounB2
Definition

a wild poisonous plant whose hood-shaped flowers can be purple or yellow, with roots and leaves that contain a deadly poison.

Example

Eli recognised the wolfsbane by its hooded purple flowers and knew not to touch it.

recognising the plant by its hooded flower shape

The park ranger warned Diya that even touching wolfsbane could cause skin irritation.

register: safety warning context

Common collocations
  • wolfsbane grows
  • wolfsbane contains
  • poisonous wolfsbane
  • tall wolfsbane
  • wolfsbane sap
Synonyms
  • aconite

    the scientific genus name for the same group of plants; more common in formal botany writing

  • monkshood

    another common name for the same plant, referring to the hood-like shape of its flower — interchangeable in most contexts

Word family

  • aconite
    nounC1
  • monkshood
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These three terms all refer to the same poisonous plant genus (Aconitum). 'Wolfsbane' is the most dramatic English name, rooted in the plant's historical use as a wolf poison; it appears most frequently in folklore, fantasy literature, and gardening contexts. 'Aconite' is the formal scientific name and is preferred in botanical writing and medical discussions of the plant's toxic alkaloids. 'Monkshood' is a descriptive common name based on the flower's hood-like shape and is widely used in British and American gardening guides. All three are correct for the plant, but register differs: 'aconite' sounds clinical, 'monkshood' is neutral-descriptive, and 'wolfsbane' carries a slightly old-fashioned or literary flavour. For example, a botany textbook might say 'aconite poisoning,' while a fantasy novel would say 'wolfsbane tea.'

wolfsbane ↗aconitemonkshood

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Formed in English from 'wolf' + 'bane' (an old word for something that kills, from Old English 'bana' meaning slayer). The plant earned this name because its roots were traditionally used in Europe to poison wolves. The genus name Aconitum comes via Latin from Greek 'akoniton,' possibly referring to the plant's sharp, spear-like flower shape or its use on arrows.

First known use

1548

1548, in the meaning defined above