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)

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hydragogue

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 characteristic of this purgative that it is a hydragogue even in minimal dose, the fluid secretions of the bowel being most markedly increased.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 7 "Crocoite" to "Cuba" by Various

In medicine it is frequently employed as a hydragogue purgative, specially valuable in febrile diseases, in congestion of the portal system, and in the obstinate constipation of painters’ colic.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various

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 Thomas, Jerome Beers

First in point of efficacy for this purpose are the hydragogue cathartics.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various