derris

noun

der·​ris ˈder-əs 

ˈde-rəs

1

: a preparation chiefly of ground derris roots used as an insecticide

2

: any of a large genus (Derris) of tropical Eurasian shrubs and woody vines of the legume family including sources of poisons and especially commercial sources of rotenone

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek, skin, from derein to skin — more at tear entry 1

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1