ipecacuanha

British  

/ ˌɪpɪˌkækjʊˈænə, ˈɪpɪˌkæk /

noun

1. a low-growing South American rubiaceous shrub, Cephaelis ipecacuanha

2. a drug prepared from the dried roots of this plant, used as a purgative and emetic

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Etymology

Origin of ipecacuanha

C18: from Portuguese, from Tupi ipekaaguéne, from ipeh low + kaa leaves + guéne vomit

Example Sentences

Here is Yeats on the flighty mother of an artist friend: “She makes me think of lumpy beds, Russian fleas and ipecacuanha wine.”

From New York Times • Jun. 11, 2012

In its effect on dysentery as well as in its emetic effect it resembles ipecacuanha.

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

For the periodical craving Dr. Higginbotham, of England, recommends that a half drachm of ipecacuanha be taken so as to produce full vomiting.

From Alcohol: A Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine, How and Why What Medical Writers Say by Allen, Martha Meir

His grandfather introduced the use of ipecacuanha; his father was first physician to Queen Marie Leczinska of France.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 3 "Helmont, Jean" to "Hernosand" by Various

The tartar emetic solution and purgative pills I employ for these purposes, in preference to castor oil or ipecacuanha, and during the same time I prescribe the following pills:— Ext. belladonna Six to twenty-four grains.

From The Dog by Dinks