purgative
UK: ˈpɜːɡətɪv | US: ˈpɜːrɡətɪv
n. a substance that causes evacuation of the bowels; a laxative
adj. having the effect of purging or cleansing, especially the bowels
purgative = purg<cleanse> + ative<adjective suffix>
- purg (from Latin purgare, meaning "to cleanse, purify")
- ative (a suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -ativus, indicating "tending to" or "having the nature of")
Etymology Origin:
The word purgative traces back to Latin purgativus, derived from purgare ("to cleanse"). It entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its core meaning of cleansing, particularly in a medicinal context. The suffix -ative solidifies its adjectival function, emphasizing its role in describing substances or actions that induce purification, especially of the digestive system.
The doctor prescribed a mild purgative to relieve constipation.
Some herbal teas act as natural purgatives.
In medieval medicine, purgatives were commonly used to balance bodily humors.
Overuse of purgatives can lead to dehydration.
The plant’s roots have purgative properties and are used in traditional remedies.