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Definition of purgative - 6 dictionary results

pur⋅ga⋅tive

  [pur-guh-tiv]
Use purgative in a Sentence
–adjective
1. purging or cleansing, esp. by causing evacuation of the bowels.
–noun
2. a purgative medicine or agent; cathartic.
Origin:
1350–1400; < LL pūrgātīvus (see purgation, -ive ); r. ME purgatyf < MF < LL, as above

Related forms:
pur⋅ga⋅tive⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pur·ga·tive   (pûr'gə-tĭv)   
adj.  Tending to cleanse or purge, especially causing evacuation of the bowels.
n.  A purgative agent or medicine; a cathartic.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

purgative 
c.1400 (adj.), from O.Fr. purgatif (14c.), from L.L. purgativus, from L. purgatus, pp. of purgare (see purge). The noun is attested from 1626.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: 1pur·ga·tive
Pronunciation: 'p&r-g&t-iv
Function: adjective
: purging or tending to purge : CATHARTIC —pur·ga·tive·ly adverb

Main Entry: 2purgative
Function: noun
: a purging medicine : CATHARTIC
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

purgative pur·ga·tive (pûr'gə-tĭv)
n.
An agent used for purging the bowels. adj.
Tending to cause evacuation of the bowels.

pur'ga·tive adj.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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