hydragogue

[hahy-druh-gawg, -gog]

adjective

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

noun

1. Pharmacology.,  Also hydragog 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

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

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

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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.

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Hydragogue, hī′dra-gōg, n. a very active purgative, such as jalap.

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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.

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