wolfsbane etymology

Etymology and Meaning of Wolfsbane

The word "wolfsbane" is derived from two sources:

• "Wolf" (from Old English "wulf")
• "Bane" (from Old English "bana," meaning "killer" or "destroyer")

Therefore, "wolfsbane" literally means "wolf killer."

Origin

Wolfsbane is a common name for plants in the genus Aconitum, which are known for their toxic properties. The plant has been historically used to poison wolves and other predators.

Names and Legends

In various cultures, wolfsbane has been associated with wolves and other supernatural creatures. Some names for wolfsbane include:

• Aconite (from Latin "Aconitum," possibly named after a mythical wolf-rearing princess)
• Monkshood (due to the shape of the flower resembling a monk's hood)
• Devil's Helmet (referring to the resemblance of the flower to a helm or helmet)

According to legend, wolfsbane was created from Cerberus's saliva, the three-headed dog guarding the gates of Hades in Greek mythology. It was believed that wolves were immune to its poison, leading to the plant's association with wolf control.

Toxicity

Wolfsbane is a highly poisonous plant that can be fatal if ingested. All parts of the plant contain a substance called aconitine, which affects the nervous system. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and paralysis.

wolfsbane relate terms

• bane

  Etymology The word bane is derived from the Old English word bana which means destr

• wolf

  Etymology Old English wulf Proto Germanic wulfaz Proto Indo European root wĺ̥kʷ

• ratsbane

  Etymology From Middle English ratsbane translating Old French rassebon from rasse r

• bane

  Etymology The word bane is derived from the Old English word bana which means destr

• fleabane

  Etymology Latin Pluchea odorata Greek plektos plaited interwoven anthos flower

• wolfsbane

  Etymology and Meaning of Wolfsbane The word wolfsbane is derived from two sources W

• aconite

  Etymology Ancient Greek ἀκόνιτον akóniton Latin aconitum Meaning A p

• ascetic

  Etymology The word ascetic derives from the Greek askētikos meaning pertaining to

• lead

  Etymology The word lead comes from the Old English word lēad which is ultimately d

• anecdote

  Etymology French anecdote unpublished or private story Late Latin anekdotos unpubli

• plantation

  Etymology Old French plantation from Latin plantātiō from plantāre to plant

• certain

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It investigates how

• bathroom

• virtual

  Virtual Etymology Meaning The tendency of words to take on a meaning that aligns with t

• mimosa

  Etymology Late Latin mimosa feminine of mimosus full of actors mimic from Greek mi

• performance

  Etymology From Medieval Latin performantia from Latin perfōrmāre meaning to perform