poison oak

noun

1
: any of several plants related to poison ivy and producing an oil with similar irritating properties: such as
a
: a bushy plant (Toxicodendron diversilobum synonym Rhus diversiloba) of the Pacific coast
b
: a bushy plant (Toxicodendron toxicarium synonym Rhus toxicodendron) chiefly of the southeastern U.S.
2

Examples of poison oak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web During the trial, a former student who is now 27 years old testified that Raines applied an ointment to a poison oak rash on his genital area. Cameron MacDonald, The Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2024 Its sparse plant life consists of scraggly shrubs and pines, along with thickets of poison oak. Heather Knight, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2023 This reporter didn’t experience anything out of the ordinary on this hike, though hikers should generally keep their eyes peeled for more common residents, like rattlesnakes and coyotes, and avoid uncomfortable encounters with poison oak. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2023 Toxicodendron is related to poison oak (T. diversilobum) and poison sumac (T. vernix), also called thunderwood in the South, and not be confused with shining or stag sumacs. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 29 July 2023 Poison hemlock typically isn't poisonous to the touch, like species such as poison ivy and poison oak. Marina Johnson, Detroit Free Press, 10 Aug. 2023 According to The Southern Living Garden Book, the best way to rid your garden of poison ivy and poison oak is to use an organic or chemical herbicide. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 29 July 2023 This is the first time the land has been for sale since 1905, when businessman Peter Kerr moved to the remote spot and transformed fields of poison oak into a picturesque landscape with a magnolia walk, viewpoint of Mount Hood and an English-style garden. oregonlive, 8 Dec. 2022 The three-leaf warning also applies to poison oak, which also grows both as a leafy shrub and as a climbing vine and produces three leaflets with scalloped or toothed edges. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 29 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'poison oak.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of poison oak was in 1739

Dictionary Entries Near poison oak

Cite this Entry

“Poison oak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poison%20oak. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

poison oak

noun
: any of several shrubby plants related to poison ivy and causing a similar rash

Medical Definition

poison oak

noun
1
: any of several plants included in the genus Rhus or sometimes in the genus Toxicodendron that produce an irritating oil like that of poison ivy:
a
: a bushy plant (R. diversiloba synonym T. diversilobum) of the Pacific coast
b
: a bushy plant (R. toxicodendron synonym T. pubescens) of the southeastern United States
2
3
: a skin rash produced by poison oak

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