Definitions for: Mandrake


[n] a plant of southern Europe and North Africa having purple flowers, yellow fruits and a forked root formerly thought to have magical powers
[n] the root of the mandrake plant; used medicinally or as a narcotic



Webster (1913) Definition: Man"drake, n. [AS. mandragora, L. mandragoras, fr.
Gr. ?: cf. F. mandragore.]
1. (Bot.) A low plant (Mandragora officinarum) of the
Nightshade family, having a fleshy root, often forked, and
supposed to resemble a man. It was therefore supposed to
have animal life, and to cry out when pulled up. All parts
of the plant are strongly narcotic. It is found in the
Mediterranean region.

And shrieks like mandrakes, torn out of the earth,
That living mortals, hearing them, run mad. --Shak.

Note: The mandrake of Scripture was perhaps the same plant,
but proof is wanting.

2. (Bot.) The May apple (Podophyllum peltatum). See {May
apple} under May, and Podophyllum. [U.S.]

Synonyms: devil's apples, Mandragora officinarum

See Also: genus Mandragora, herb, herbaceous plant, Mandragora, mandrake, mandrake root, root

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat



Related Resources:
p letter animals
animals beginning with x
animlas that start with w