UPAS Meaning and
Definition
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Upas, also known as the "Upas tree," is a term that refers to a mythical, highly poisonous tree allegedly found in Southeast Asia, particularly Java and Sumatra. According to folklore, the Upas tree possesses a toxic sap capable of causing death to any living creature that comes into contact with it. Due to its deadly nature, the tree has become a symbol of danger and death in popular imagination.
The term "Upas" is derived from the Indonesian word "upas," which means poison or venom. In ancient times, the Upas tree was described as an enormous and ominous plant, with its branches spreading widely and its roots penetrating deep into the ground. Legends circulated that even a simple inhaling of the plant's putrid exhalations would be enough to kill any passerby.
The belief in the existence of the Upas tree was prevalent during the 17th and 18th centuries, captivating the imaginations of explorers, scientists, and writers alike. Despite numerous expeditions in search of the notorious tree, it was not until the 19th century that its existence was thoroughly debunked. It was discovered that the tales of the Upas tree were greatly exaggerated, possibly stemming from stories passed down through generations, which then gained embellishments and mythical characteristics over time.
Today, "Upas" is often used in literary and artistic contexts to allude to something inherently lethal or hazardous. It serves as a metaphor for toxicity, emphasizing the potential deadly consequences that can arise from certain circumstances or environments.
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An arrow poison from the sap of Antiaris toxicaria and other trees of the philippines and the coast of southern asia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A tree common in the forests of Java and the adjoining islands whose juices are poisonous-what has been said in regard to the atmosphere surrounding it being deadly, or even deleterious, is entirely faboulous.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for UPAS
- ypas
- hpas
- jpas
- 8pas
- 7pas
- uoas
- u-as
- u0as
- upzs
- upws
- upqs
- upaa
- upaz
- upax
- upad
- upae
- upaw
- yupas
- uypas
- uhpas
- jupas
- ujpas
- iupas
- uipas
- 8upas
- u8pas
- 7upas
- u7pas
- uopas
- upoas
- ulpas
- uplas
- u-pas
- up-as
- u0pas
- up0as
- upzas
- upazs
- upsas
- upass
- upwas
- upaws
- upqas
- upaqs
- upaas
- upasa
- upasz
- upaxs
- upasx
- upads
- upasd
- upaes
- upase
- upasw
- upsa
- uupas
- uppas
- qpas
- wpas
- Uxas
- Upis
- Upes
- Upcs
- Upa3
- Upac
- Upaq
- Upar
- upa s
Etymology of UPAS
The word "Upas" has its origins in the Dutch language. It was adopted from the Indonesian word "upas" or "opas", which means "poisonous tree" or "poison" in English. In the Indonesian archipelago, there is a notorious tree called the "Upas tree" (Antiaris toxicaria) known for its toxic sap, which was historically used for poison-tipped weapons. The word was then borrowed into English from Dutch during the colonial period.
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