ipecac

[ ip-i-kak ]

noun
  1. the dried root of a shrubby South American plant, Cephaelis ipecacuanha, of the madder family.

  2. the plant itself.

  1. a drug consisting of the dried roots of this plant, used as an emetic, purgative, etc., and as the source of emetine.

Origin of ipecac

1
1780–90, Americanism; short for ipecacuanha<Portuguese <Tupi ipekaaguéne, equivalent to ipeh low + kaâ leaves + guéne vomit
  • Also ip·e·cac·u·an·ha [ip-i-kak-yoo-an-uh]. /ˌɪp ɪˌkæk yuˈæn ə/.

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Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

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