black bryony n 1: common European twining vine with tuberous roots and cordate leaves and red berries [syn: {black bryony}, {black bindweed}, {Tamus communis}]
Bryony \Bry"o*ny\ (br[imac]"[-o]*n[y^]), n. [L. bryonia, Gr. brywni`a, fr. bry`ein to swell, esp. of plants.] (Bot.) The common name of several cucurbitaceous plants of the genus {Bryonia}. The root of {Bryonia alba} ({rough bryony} or {white bryony}) and of {Bryonia dioica} is a strong, irritating cathartic. [1913 Webster] {Black bryony}, a plant ({Tamus communis}) so named from its dark glossy leaves and black root; black bindweed. [1913 Webster]