DULCAMARA Meaning and
Definition
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Dulcamara is a botanical term that refers to a type of perennial herbaceous vine belonging to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Scientifically known as Solanum dulcamara, it is commonly known by various names such as bittersweet, climbing nightshade, or woody nightshade. The term "dulcamara" itself originates from Latin, where "dulcis" means sweet and "amarus" means bitter, reflecting the plant's peculiar taste.
This vine is native to Europe and Asia but has become naturalized in many other parts of the world. It is characterized by its slender, twining stems, and heart-shaped leaves that have a glossy appearance. The flowers of dulcamara are small and star-shaped, typically purple or violet in color, and are followed by small, red berries that resemble miniature tomatoes.
While dulcamara has been historically utilized in traditional herbal medicine due to its potential medicinal properties, it is important to note that the plant contains toxic substances such as solanine and solasodine. Ingestion of the berries or other plant parts can lead to harmful symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, among others.
Dulcamara has also been used as an ingredient in certain homeopathic treatments and has a long-standing association with folklore and superstitions. Due to its aggressive growth habit, it is often considered a weed in cultivated areas and can be particularly invasive in certain regions.
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A common British hedge-plant, commonly called "bitter-sweet" or "woody night-shade," so named from its stalks or root when chewed first tasting bitter, and then sweet.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DULCAMARA
- sulcamara
- xulcamara
- culcamara
- fulcamara
- rulcamara
- eulcamara
- dylcamara
- dhlcamara
- djlcamara
- dilcamara
- d8lcamara
- d7lcamara
- dukcamara
- dupcamara
- duocamara
- dulxamara
- dulvamara
- dulfamara
- duldamara
Etymology of DULCAMARA
The word "dulcamara" has its roots in Latin. It is a combination of two Latin words: "dulcis" meaning sweet, and "amara" meaning bitter. The word was originally used to describe a plant or herb that had a combination of sweet and bitter taste. In medieval and Renaissance medicine, "dulcamara" was specifically associated with a plant known as "Solanum dulcamara", also known as bittersweet nightshade. The word "dulcamara" eventually entered into the botanical name of this plant, which continues to be used today.
Similar spelling word for DULCAMARA
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