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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 pubescens synonym Rhus toxicodendron) chiefly of the southeastern U.S.
Examples of poison oak in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Similar elastic bands at the ankles make for a secure fit, perfect for pulling over socks in areas where the poison ivy or poison oak hasn’t died back yet or to limit your chances of ticks.
—Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2024
Like its cousins, poison oak and poison ivy, poison sumac contains urushiol in every part of the plant, but is more toxic.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2024
Itching and stinging: Breast milk has been used on the skin to relieve the sting and itching of insect bites, bee stings, chicken pox, poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
—Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 29 July 2024
Common Types of Rashes and Conditions Treated Some of the common skin rashes and irritations that calamine lotion can help relieve include the following:
Poison ivy/poison oak/poison sumac rash: These rashes are caused by oil from poisonous plants.
—Megan Nunn, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for poison oak
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
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 30 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
poison oak
noun
: any of several shrubby plants related to poison ivy and causing a similar rash
Medical Definition
poison oak
noun1
: 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
3
: a skin rash produced by poison oak
More from Merriam-Webster on poison oak
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about poison oak
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