Spanish word

dulcamara

Pronunciation

IPA/dulkaˈmaɾa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounbittersweet nightshade

Example

En el parque vi una dulcamara con flores moradas.

In the park I saw a bittersweet nightshade with purple flowers.

Illustration for dulcamara (bittersweet nightshade)

More examples

Evita que tus mascotas coman frutos de la dulcamara.

Prevent your pets from eating the fruits of the bittersweet nightshade.

Core concept

Poisonous climbing nightshade with purple tubular flowers and bright red berry clusters.

Similar words

trepadora: Climbing vine that twines around supports and grows upward.
enredadera: Spreading vine that entwines nearby objects and extends along surfaces.
planta: Living plant with roots, stems, and leaves.
baya: Small fleshy fruit that contains one or more seeds.

Definition in Spanish

Planta trepadora de la familia Solanaceae, común en setos y bordes de caminos, con flores moradas y bayas rojizas consideradas tóxicas.

Word origin

The name comes from Latin dulcis 'sweet' + amārus 'bitter' via medieval dulcamara, indicating a bittersweet taste and a traditional medicinal reputation.

Usage tips

  • The word is feminine (la dulcamara) and it denotes the plant itself, not the English adjective 'bittersweet' for emotions.

Word lists with this word