cowbane \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun Etymology:cow (I) + bane : any of several poisonous plants of the family Umbelliferae: as a. (1): the European water hemlock (2): an American water hemlock; especially: spotted cowbane b.: a hog fennel (Oxypolis rigidior) that is widespread in wet lowlands in the eastern and central United States