henbane

noun

hen·​bane ˈhen-ˌbān How to pronounce henbane (audio)
: 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

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Black henbane has been found at archaeological sites in the Netherlands that date back to the Neolithic Period. — Rachel Nuwer, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024 The hollowed bone, however, likely served as a container for black henbane, indicating that humans intentionally stored and used the seeds, researchers argued. — Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of henbane was in the 13th century

Rhymes for henbane

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Browse Nearby Words

hen and chickens
henbane
henbill
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Cite this Entry

“Henbane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/henbane. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

henbane

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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about henbane

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