wolfsbane

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun poisonous Eurasian perennial herb with broad rounded leaves and yellow flowers and fibrous rootstock

Etymology

From wolf + -s- + bane, a calque of Ancient Greek λυκοκτόνον (lukoktónon), from λύκος (lúkos, “wolf”) + κτείνω (kteínō, “to kill”). Influenced by Latin lycoctonum.

In classic literature

Synonyms

wolfbane, wolf's bane, Aconitum lycoctonum

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