Laxative
/ˈlæks.ə.tɪv/noun
A substance that stimulates bowel movements.
Did you know?In ancient medicine, laxatives were often derived from plants considered sacred and were used in rituals for purification and rebirth.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
laxativus
“pertaining to loosening or making loose”
Late Latin
Late Latin
laxare
“to loosen or relax”
Old French
Old French
laxatif
“a medicine that loosens the bowels”
Middle English
Middle English
laxatif
“a remedy causing evacuation of the bowels”
Modern English
English
laxative
“a substance that promotes bowel movements”