\Man"drake\, n. [AS. mandragora, L. mandragoras, fr.
Gr. ?: cf. F. mandragore.]
1. (Bot.) A low plant ({Mandragora officinarum}) of the
   Nightshade family, having a fleshy root, often forked, and
   supposed to resemble a man. It was therefore supposed to
   have animal life, and to cry out when pulled up. All parts
   of the plant are strongly narcotic. It is found in the
   Mediterranean region.
         And shrieks like mandrakes, torn out of the earth,
         That living mortals, hearing them, run mad. --Shak.
Note: The mandrake of Scripture was perhaps the same plant,
      but proof is wanting.
2. (Bot.) The May apple ({Podophyllum peltatum}). See {May
   apple} under {May}, and {Podophyllum}. [U.S.]