monkshood: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, Botanical/Technical
Quick answer
What does “monkshood” mean?
A poisonous Eurasian plant of the buttercup family, bearing hooded blue or purple flowers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A poisonous Eurasian plant of the buttercup family, bearing hooded blue or purple flowers.
A source of the poison aconitine; a vivid metaphor for something attractive yet deadly. In historical contexts, refers to the plant's use as a poison.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in meaning and usage. The common name 'wolfsbane' is equally used in both varieties. No spelling differences.
Connotations
Identical connotations of danger, poison, and historical intrigue.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used in specialised or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “monkshood” in a Sentence
The [adjective] monkshood grew...[Someone] was poisoned by monkshood.It was as toxic as monkshood.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monkshood” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The monkshood extract was analysed.
- A monkshood poisoning case.
American English
- The monkshood toxin is fast-acting.
- A monkshood incident was reported.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in botany, pharmacology, history, and literature departments.
Everyday
Extremely rare; known mostly to gardeners, botanists, or readers of historical fiction.
Technical
Standard term in botany, toxicology, and historical studies of poisons.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monkshood”
- Misidentifying it with non-poisonous hooded flowers like snapdragons.
- Using it as a general term for any purple flower.
- Misspelling as 'monks-hood' or 'monk's hood'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'monkshood' and 'wolfsbane' are common names for plants in the genus Aconitum, particularly Aconitum napellus. They are synonymous.
While casual touching is unlikely to be fatal, it is dangerous. The toxins (aconitine) can be absorbed through the skin, especially if there are cuts. Ingestion of any part of the plant is extremely poisonous and can be fatal.
The name comes from the shape of the flowers, which resemble the hoods (cowls) worn by medieval monks.
It is native to western and central Europe, typically in moist woodland areas and mountain meadows. It has been cultivated and naturalised elsewhere.
A poisonous Eurasian plant of the buttercup family, bearing hooded blue or purple flowers.
Monkshood is usually formal, literary, botanical/technical in register.
Monkshood: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋkshʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋkshʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. Potential for creative metaphor: 'to offer monkshood' meaning to offer something deadly disguised as helpful.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The flower's shape looks like the hood of a medieval monk's habit. Remember: Monks wear hoods; this plant's hood is deadly.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEAUTY IS DANGER / ATTRACTION IS A POISON. A pleasant appearance conceals a lethal nature.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason 'monkshood' is a notable plant?