jalap

A doctor prescribes jalap as a gentle laxative.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A purgative drug: "jalap" refers to a strong laxative obtained from the dried tuberous roots of certain plants (especially Ipomoea purga or Exogonium purga), used historically in medicine to treat constipation.
   • The plant itself: "jalap" can also denote the plant that produces these roots, native to Mexico and Central America.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pharmacist prepared a dose of jalap to relieve the patient's severe constipation. (A purgative medicine derived from the plant root.)
  • Jalap was widely used in the 19th century as a powerful cathartic. (A strong laxative substance.)
  • The gardener cultivated jalap for its medicinal properties. (The plant species itself.)

Advanced Usage

• "Jalap" in historical contexts: Often referenced in old medical texts and pharmacopoeias as a standard purgative.

  • The physician prescribed a mixture of jalap and calomel for the patient. (Combined with other drugs for stronger effect.)

• "Jalap resin": The active component extracted from the root.

  • The resin of jalap was more concentrated and potent than the raw powder. (A refined substance used in medicine.)

Variants and Related Words

• Jalapic (adj): relating to or derived from jalap.

  • The jalapic properties of the extract were well-documented. (The purgative qualities of the plant.)

• Jalapin (n): a specific glycoside resin found in jalap, responsible for its laxative effect.

  • Jalapin is the primary active ingredient in jalap. (The chemical compound.)

Synonyms

• Purgative: a substance that strongly stimulates bowel evacuation.
• Cathartic: a medicine that induces rapid emptying of the intestines.
• Laxative: a milder substance that promotes bowel movements.

Related Idioms

Phrasal Verbs