laxative
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English
Etymology
From Middle French laxatif, from Latin laxātīvus (literally “relaxing, loosening”).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈlæk.sə.tɪv/
Audio (Southern England): (file)
Adjective
laxative (comparative more laxative, superlative most laxative)
- Having the effect of moving the bowels, or aiding digestion and preventing constipation.
- 1583, Philip Barrough , “Of Making Bolus”, in The Methode of Phisicke, Conteyning the Causes, Signes, and Cures of Inward Diseases in Mans Body from the Head to the Foote. , London: Thomas Vautroullier , →OCLC, book VI, page 288:
- BOlvs in Engliſh is called a morſell. It is a medicine laxatiue, in forme & faſhion it is meanely whole, & it is ſwallowed by litle gobbets.
Derived terms
Translations
causing movement of the bowels
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See also
- constipative
- minorative (“gently laxative”)
Noun
laxative (plural laxatives)
- Any substance, such as a food or in the form of a medicine which has a laxative effect.
- 2023 September 12, Arwa Mahdawi, “The US has such a love affair with laxatives that there is now a national shortage. This is not normal”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:
- According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, the US is having a love affair with laxatives; Americans of all ages are ingesting so much of the stuff that there are now shortages nationwide.
Coordinate terms
- carminative – gas
- diuretic — urination
Translations
substance with a laxative effect
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See also
- minorative (“a gentle laxative”)
French
Pronunciation
Audio: (file)
Adjective
laxative