nepenthes noun. [nɪ'pɛnƟi:z] L16.
[Latin from Greek nēpenthes neut. of nēpenthēs banishing pain (qualifying pharmakon drug), from nē- not + penthos grief.]
1. A drug mentioned in Homer's Odyssey as liberating the mind from grief or trouble; any drug or potion bringing welcome forgetfulness. Also, a plant yielding such a drug. L16.

2. Any of various freq. climbing pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes (family Nepenthaceae), chiefly of SE Asia, having brightly coloured pitchers at the end of the leaf tendrils. M18.

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