MANDRAKES

Noun

mandrakes

plural of mandrake

Source: Wiktionary


MANDRAKE

Man"drake, n. Etym: [AS. mandragora, L. mandragoras, fr. Gr. mandragore.]

1. (Bot.)

Definition: A low plant (Mandragora officinarum) of the Nightshade family, having a fleshy root, often forked, and supposed to resemble a man. It was therefore supposed to have animal life, and to cry out when pulled up. All parts of the plant are strongly narcotic. It is found in the Mediterranean region. And shrieks like mandrakes, torn out of the earth, That living mortals, hearing them, run mad. Shak.

Note: The mandrake of Scripture was perhaps the same plant, but proof is wanting.

2. (Bot.)

Definition: The May apple (Podophyllum peltatum). See May apple under May, and Podophyllum. [U.S.]

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

25 November 2024

ONCHOCERCIASIS

(noun) infestation with slender threadlike roundworms (filaria) deposited under the skin by the bite of black fleas; when the eyes are involved it can result in blindness; common in Africa and tropical America


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

According to Guinness World Records, the most massive cup of coffee contained 22,739.14 liters and was created by Alcaldía Municipal de Chinchiná (Colombia) at Parque de Bolívar, Chinchiná, Caldas, Colombia, on 15 June 2019. Fifty people worked for more than a month to build this giant cup. The drink prepared was Arabic coffee.

coffee icon