First Known Use: 1919
Dictionary
derris
noun der·ris \ˈder-əs, ˈde-rəs\
Definition of DERRIS
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
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Origin of DERRIS
New Latin, genus name, from Greek, skin, from derein to skin — more at tear
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