Laxative: meaning, definitions and examples
💩
laxative
[ ˈlaksətɪv ]
medicine
A laxative is a medicine or food that helps you to empty your bowels.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
laxative |
Used in everyday conversations and medical settings to describe substances that help relieve constipation in a mild and gentle manner.
|
purgative |
This word is more intense and is used mainly in medical settings to refer to substances that completely cleanse the bowels. It can sometimes carry a negative or harsh connotation.
|
cathartic |
Commonly used in literary or emotional contexts to describe something that provides psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions. In a medical setting, it is a stronger term for an agent that cleanses the bowels.
|
Examples of usage
- He took a laxative to relieve his constipation.
- She recommended drinking prune juice as a natural laxative.
describing effect
Having the effect of loosening or opening the bowels.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
laxative |
Typically used in everyday language to refer to substances or medications that help relieve constipation by softening stools or stimulating bowel movements.
|
purgative |
Typically used in medical or more formal contexts to describe strong substances that completely cleanse the bowels. These are generally stronger than regular laxatives and may have a more intense effect.
|
cathartic |
Often used in a broader sense to describe an emotional release or cleansing experience, though it can also refer to a medical substance that cleanses or purges the bowels.
|
Examples of usage
- The laxative properties of the herbal tea helped with digestion.
- She experienced the laxative effect of the medication.
Translations
Translations of the word "laxative" in other languages:
🇵🇹 laxante
🇮🇳 रेचक
🇩🇪 Abführmittel
🇮🇩 pencahar
🇺🇦 проносний засіб
🇵🇱 środek przeczyszczający
🇯🇵 下剤
🇫🇷 laxatif
🇪🇸 laxante
🇹🇷 müshil
🇰🇷 완하제
🇸🇦 ملين
🇨🇿 projímadlo
🇸🇰 preháňadlo
🇨🇳 泻药
🇸🇮 odvajalo
🇮🇸 laxerandi
🇰🇿 іш жүргізетін дәрі
🇬🇪 საშლელი
🇦🇿 iç qovucu
🇲🇽 laxante
Etymology
The word 'laxative' comes from the Latin word 'laxativus' meaning 'having the power to loosen or relax'. The concept of using substances to promote bowel movements has been around for centuries, with various natural remedies and herbs being used for their laxative properties. In modern times, laxatives are commonly used to treat constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #22,386, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 22383 ambience
- 22384 pitying
- 22385 disheartened
- 22386 laxative
- 22387 assassinate
- 22388 feller
- 22389 gating
- ...