nightshade Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any of numerous shrubs or herbs or vines of the genus Solanum; most are poisonous though many bear edible fruit

WordNet

Night"shade` noun
Etymology
AS. nichtscadu.
Definitions
  1. (Bot.) A common name of many species of the genus Solanum, given esp. to the Solanum nigrum, or black nightshade, a low, branching weed with small white flowers and black berries reputed to be poisonous.

Webster 1913