laxative

From Middle French laxatif, from Latin laxatus

• IPA^(key): /ˈlæk.sə.tɪv/

laxative (comparative more laxative, superlative most laxative)

1. Having the effect of moving the bowels, or aiding digestion and preventing constipation.
   • 1624, Philip Barrough [i.e., Philip Barrow], “Of Making Bolus”, in The Method of Physick, Contaning^[sic] the Cavses, Signes, and Cvres of Inward Diseases in Mans Body, from the Head to the Foote. Whereunto is Added, The Forme and Rule of Making Remedies and Medicines, which Our Physitions Commonly Vse at this Day, with the Proportion, Quantity, and Names of Each Medicine, book VII, 6th edition, London: Imprinted by Richard Field, dwelling in great Woodstreete, OCLC 79430651, page 397:

     Bolvs in Engliſh is called a morſell. It is a medicine laxatiue, in forme and faſhion it is meanely whole, and it is ſwallowed by little gobbets.

• minorative (“gently laxative”)

laxative (plural laxatives)

1. Any substance, such as a food or in the form of a medicine which has a laxative effect.

• diuretic — urination

• minorative (“a gentle laxative”)

laxative

1. feminine singular of laxatif