hydragogue

[hahy-druh-gawg, -gog]

adjective

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

noun

Also hy·dra·gog. Pharmacology. a hydragogue agent.

Origin of hydragogue

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for hydragogue

Historical Examples of hydragogue

Purgatives and hydragogue cathartics usually fail to give relief, and add much to the patient's discomfort.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II
Various
The highly irritable and congested intestinal mucous membrane precludes the employment of hydragogue cathartics.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II
Various
Used in frictions on the abdomen as a hydragogue purgative, in mania, dropsy, &c.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II
Arnold Cooley
First in point of efficacy for this purpose are the hydragogue cathartics.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I
Various
It is a powerful irritant, and is employed medicinally as a drastic and hydragogue cathartic.
The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom
P. L. Simmonds

British Dictionary definitions for hydragogue

hydragogue

noun

med any purgative that causes evacuation of water from the bowels

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

hydragogue in Medicine

hydragogue

[hī′drə-gôg′]

Any of a class of cathartics that aid in the removal of edematous fluids and thus promote the discharge of watery fluid from the bowels.