資料來源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Mandrake \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.]
資料來源 : WordNet®
Mandragora officinarum
n : a plant of southern Europe and North Africa having purple
flowers, yellow fruits and a forked root formerly thought
to have magical powers [syn: {mandrake}, {devil's apples}]