sab·a·dil·la (s b  -d l , -d )n. 1. A Mexican and Central American plant (Schoenocaulon officinale) of the lily family, having very long, densely flowered spikelike racemes, straplike perianth segments, and brown seeds that are rich in veratrine. 2. The seeds of this plant, used in insecticides and in some medicinal preparations. [Spanish cebadilla, diminutive of cebada, barley, from Latin cib  tus, from past participle of cibre, to feed, from cibus, food.] |
sabadilla [ˌsæbəˈdɪlə]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) a tropical American liliaceous plant, Schoenocaulon officinale
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) the bitter brown seeds of this plant, which contain the alkaloids veratrine and veratridine and are used in insecticides
[from Spanish cebadilla, diminutive of cebada barley, from Latin cibāre to feed, from cibus food]
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