hydragogue

American  

[hahy-druh-gawg, -gog] / ˈhaɪ drəˌgɔg, -ˌgɒg /

adjective

1. causing the discharge of watery fluid, as from the bowels.

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noun

1. Pharmacology. Also hydragog a hydragogue agent.

hydragogue British  

/ ˈhaɪdrəˌɡɒɡ /

noun

1. med any purgative that causes evacuation of water from the bowels

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Etymology

Origin of hydragogue

1630–40; < Latin hydragōgus < Greek hydragōgós water-conveying, equivalent to hydr- hydr- ¹ + agōgós leading, guiding ( see -agogue)

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hydragogue

The seeds contain an oil that is official in all Pharmacopœias as one of the most powerful hydragogue cathartics.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Jerome Beers Thomas

It is the most active hydragogue purgative known, causing also much depression and violent griping.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 2 "Ehud" to "Electroscope" by Various

It is a powerful irritant, and is employed medicinally as a drastic and hydragogue cathartic.

From The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom Considered in Their Various Uses to Man and in Their Relation to the Arts and Manufactures; Forming a Practical Treatise & Handbook of Reference for the Colonist, Manufacturer, Merchant, and Consumer, on the Cultivation, Preparation for Shipment, and Commercial Value, &c. of the Various Substances Obtained From Trees and Plants, Entering into the Husbandry of Tropical and Sub-tropical Regions, &c. by P. L. Simmonds

In other words it is a highly energetic hydragogue cathartic, especially indicated when we wish to drain off the fluid element of the blood, as in dropsy, asthma, pulmonary and cerebral congestion.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Jerome Beers Thomas

Scammony, Aloes, and the other strong resinous and hydragogue Purges, are hurtful, and occasion Pain.

From An Account of the Diseases which were most frequent in the British military hospitals in Germany by Donald Monro

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