hydragogue

[ hahy-druh-gawg, -gog ]

/ ˈhaɪ drəˌgɔg, -ˌgɒg /

adjective

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

noun

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

Nearby words

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for 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
Used in frictions on the abdomen as a hydragogue purgative, in mania, dropsy, &c.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II|Arnold Cooley
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
Cathartics, especially those of a hydragogue nature, are also very beneficial.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I|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

British Dictionary definitions for hydragogue

hydragogue

/ (ˈhaɪdrəˌɡɒɡ) /

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

Medicine definitions for hydragogue

hydragogue

[ hī′drə-gôg′ ]

n.

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.