destroying angel

Definition

Any of a group of four deadly toxic mushrooms in the Amanita genus: Amanita bisporigera, Amanita ocreata, Amanita verna, and Amanita virosa.

Etymology

The mushrooms perhaps from their white angel-like appearance.

Example Sentences

• "The doctors ran some tests and confirmed I'd eaten the destroying angel. I was the third person that year to be admitted after eating one. The two before me hadn't survived."
• "You might survive if you eat a destroying angel or death cap, but you’ll probably need a liver transplant."
• "Again, I wonder with a sudden fear whether it is likely that our good old clergyman can be wrong, and Mr. and Miss Murdstone right, and that all the angels in Heaven can be destroying angels."