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water hemlock
noun
: a tall poisonous Eurasian perennial herb (Cicuta virosa) of the carrot family
also
: any of several poisonous North American plants (especially Cicuta maculata and C. douglasii) of the same genus compare poison hemlock
Examples of water hemlock in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ingesting even small amounts of water hemlock can lead to seizures, respiratory failure and death.
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Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 5 June 2024
One of the most dangerous plants in Arizona is water hemlock, also known as cowbane.
—
Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 5 June 2024
Last summer, park officials in Dallas responded to toxic water hemlock spotted around White Rock Lake.
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Noor Adatia, Dallas News, 3 June 2023
Due to their similar names, the deadlier western water hemlock is sometimes confused with poison hemlock.
—
Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 30 June 2021
Convulsions are a common sign of western water hemlock poisoning, although convulsions have been reported in poison hemlock poisoning.
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Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 30 June 2021
Here is a link with pictures of hemlock and the water hemlock for your review.
—
oregonlive, 29 May 2022
Environmental scientists confirmed that poison hemlock and spotted water hemlock were located in Sussex County wetlands, according to a news release from the agency.
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From Usa Today Network and Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 8 July 2021
Western water hemlock, meanwhile, has a feather-like appearance with a bulbous root.
—
oregonlive, 29 June 2021
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Word History
First Known Use
1597, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near water hemlock
Cite this Entry
“Water hemlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20hemlock. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Medical Definition
water hemlock
noun
: a tall poisonous Eurasian perennial herb of the genus Cicuta (C. virosa) that is locally abundant in marshy areas or along streams
also
: any of several poisonous North American plants of the genus Cicuta (as spotted cowbane)
More from Merriam-Webster on water hemlock
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about water hemlock
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