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Laxative: meaning, definitions and examples

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laxative

 

[ ˈlaksətɪv ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

medicine

A laxative is a medicine or food that helps you to empty your bowels.

Synonyms

cathartic, purgative

Examples of usage

  • He took a laxative to relieve his constipation.
  • She recommended drinking prune juice as a natural laxative.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing effect

Having the effect of loosening or opening the bowels.

Synonyms

cathartic, purgative

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

Word origin

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.