Fetterbush

/ˈfɛt.ər.bʊʃ/ noun

Definition

A North American evergreen shrub (genus Lyonia) with small white flowers and poisonous foliage; also called stagger bush because livestock eating it would stumble.

Etymology

Compound of 'fetter' (chain, restraint) plus 'bush' (shrub). Named for the plant's toxic properties that would cause animals to become incapacitated or 'fettered' in movement due to poisoning.

Kelly Says

Fetterbush gets its name because it literally fetters—animals that eat it become uncoordinated and stagger around as if bound by chains; it's a plant name that describes a plant's dangerous effect.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.