Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
aperient. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
aperient, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
aperient in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
aperient you have here. The definition of the word
aperient will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
aperient, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
Attested since the early 17th century, from Latin aperient-, present participle of aperire (“to open”).
Pronunciation
Adjective
aperient
- Having a gentle laxative effect.
1922 February, James Joyce, “[Episode 8: Laestrygonians]”, in Ulysses, Paris: Shakespeare and Company, , →OCLC, part II , page 171:[T]ouching the much vexed question of stimulants he relished a glass of choice old wine in season as both nourishing and bloodmaking and possessing aperient virtues (notably a good burgundy which he was a staunch believer in) […]
Noun
aperient (plural aperients)
- A laxative, either in the form of a medicine or a food such as asparagus or hops, which has the effect of moving the bowels, or aiding digestion and preventing constipation.
1849 April 7, “The Outcry about Chicory”, in William, Robert Chambers, editors, Chambers’s Edinburgh Journal, volume XI, number 275 (New Series), Edinburgh: Published by William and Robert Chambers; London: W[illiam] S[omerville] Orr, →OCLC, page 217, column 1:In its fresh vegetable state, chicory, or succory—the Cichorium Intybus of botanists, is said to be a good tonic, and to have the effect of an aperient.
Anagrams
Latin
Verb
aperient
- third-person plural future active indicative of aperiō