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 ( -agogue )

Example Sentences

These five pills given at once form an excellent hydragogue cathartic to clear the chest, relieve breathing and diminish the dropsical effusion.

From Young's Demonstrative Translation of Scientific Secrets by Young, Daniel

Uses.—The root is a hydragogue cathartic even in minute doses.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers

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 Monro, Donald

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 Thomas, Jerome Beers

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