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
See where So, please don't eat poison oak — and try using one of these eight problem plants with your meal instead.
—
Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 4 June 2024
This guide explains how to identify poison oak and eliminate this troublesome plant safely.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2024
Beth Smith lives and runs in Burlingame, California, and runs roads and trails while trying to not get Prednisone-level poison oak rashes.
—Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 14 Dec. 2024
The fire is expected to burn coyote brush, grasses, poison oak and other vegetation.
—Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for poison oak 
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Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 4 June 2024
This guide explains how to identify poison oak and eliminate this troublesome plant safely.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2024
Beth Smith lives and runs in Burlingame, California, and runs roads and trails while trying to not get Prednisone-level poison oak rashes.
—Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 14 Dec. 2024
The fire is expected to burn coyote brush, grasses, poison oak and other vegetation.
—Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for poison oak
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 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
3
: a skin rash produced by poison oak
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