: 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

Recent Examples on the Web
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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

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Cite this Entry

“Henbane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/henbane. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

: 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

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