poison hemlock
"Poison hemlock" is a dangerous plant known for its historical use in executions and its highly toxic properties.
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Definition
C1Botany
(technical)A biennial herbaceous plant with finely divided leaves and small white flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters.
Example
- Poison hemlock can grow up to 10 feet tall and is often found in disturbed areas.
C1Toxicology
(technical)A highly poisonous plant containing toxic alkaloids that can cause severe symptoms and death if ingested.
Example
- Ingestion of any part of poison hemlock can lead to respiratory failure.
B2History
(historical)A plant historically used for executions, most notably in the death of the philosopher Socrates.
Example
- Socrates was sentenced to death by drinking a potion made from poison hemlock.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "poison hemlock":
poison nutwhite snakerootblack snakerootblack helleborefalse helleboredeath camas