Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

nightshade

noun

/ˈnaɪtʃeɪd/

Definition

A member of the family Solanaceae, which includes a variety of plants, some of which are edible while others are toxic.

Examples

The nightshade family includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants.
She was warned to avoid eating any wild nightshade berries, as they can be toxic.
Many people have allergies to nightshade vegetables.

Meaning

Nightshade generally refers to plants in the Solanaceae family, known for their bell-shaped flowers and often dark-colored fruits. Some species, such as potatoes and tomatoes, are safe to eat, while others, like belladonna, are poisonous.