hydragogue

[ hahy-druh-gawg, -gog ]

adjective

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

noun

1. Also hydragog. Pharmacology. a hydragogue agent.

hydragogue

/ ˈhaɪdrəˌɡɒɡ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydragogue¹

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

Example Sentences

Used as a drastic hydragogue in dropsies; and in scrofula, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Cathartics, especially those of a hydragogue nature, are also very beneficial.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Gamboge (Cambogia) is a drastic hydragogue cathartic, causing much griping and irritation of the intestine.

From Project Gutenberg