ipecacuanha

[ip-i-kak]

ip·e·cac

[ip-i-kak]
noun
1.
the dried root of a shrubby South American plant, Cephaelis ipecacuanha, of the madder family.
2.
the plant itself.
3.
a drug consisting of the dried roots of this plant, used as an emetic, purgative, etc., and as the source of emetine.
Also, ip·e·cac·u·an·ha [ip-i-kak-yoo-an-uh] .


Origin:
1780–90, Americanism; short for ipecacuanha < Portuguese < Tupi ipekaaguéne, equivalent to ipeh low + kaâ leaves + guéne vomit
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Ipecacuanha is always a great word to know.
So is slumgullion. Does it mean:
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal.
Collins
World English Dictionary
ipecacuanha or ipecac (ˌɪpɪˌkækjʊˈænə, ˈɪpɪˌkæk)
 
n
1.  a low-growing South American rubiaceous shrub, Cephaelis ipecacuanha
2.  a drug prepared from the dried roots of this plant, used as a purgative and emetic
 
[C18: from Portuguese, from Tupi ipekaaguéne, from ipeh low + kaa leaves + guéne vomit]
 
ipecac or ipecac
 
n
 
[C18: from Portuguese, from Tupi ipekaaguéne, from ipeh low + kaa leaves + guéne vomit]

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