purgative

/ˈpʌrgədɪv/

Other forms: purgatives

Definitions of purgative

1. adjective

   strongly laxative
   synonyms: cathartic, evacuant

   laxative

   stimulating evacuation of feces
2. noun

   a purging medicine; stimulates evacuation of the bowels
   synonyms: aperient, cathartic, physic

   types:

   aloes, bitter aloes

   a purgative made from the leaves of aloe

   castor oil

   a purgative extracted from the seed of the castor-oil plant; used in paint and varnish as well as medically

   Epsom salts

   (used with a singular noun) hydrated magnesium sulfate used as a laxative

   laxative

   a mild cathartic

   milk of magnesia

   purgative consisting of a milky white liquid suspension of magnesium hydroxide; used as a laxative and (in smaller doses) as an antacid

   Rochelle powder, Seidlitz powder, Seidlitz powders

   an effervescing salt containing sodium bicarbonate and Rochelle salt and tartaric acid; used as a cathartic

   phenolphthalein

   a laxative used in many preparations under various trade names; also used as an acid-base indicator in titrations involving weak acids and strong bases because it is brilliant red at high alkalinity and colorless below pH 8

   type of:

   medicament, medication, medicinal drug, medicine

   (medicine) something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease