jalap

American  

[jal-uhp, jah-luhp] / ˈdʒæl əp, ˈdʒɑ ləp /

noun

1. the dried tuberous root of any of several plants, especially Exogonium purga, of the morning glory family, or the light yellowish powder derived from it, used in medicine chiefly as a purgative.

2. any of these plants.

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jalap British  

/ ˈdʒæləp, dʒəˈlæpɪk /

noun

1. a Mexican convolvulaceous plant, Exogonium (or Ipomoea ) purga

2. any of several similar or related plants

3. the dried and powdered root of any of these plants, used as a purgative

4. the resin obtained from any of these plants

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Other Word Forms

• jalapic adjective

Etymology

Origin of jalap

1665–75; < Middle French < Spanish ( purga de ) Jalapa purgative from Jalapa

Example Sentences

The claims are an echo from 1918, when an ad for Dr. Pierce’s Pleasant Pellets promised that the pills — made from “May-apple, leaves of aloe, jalap” — offered protection “against the deadly attack of the Spanish Influenza.”

From New York Times

Dr. Adam Kuhn called the mercury and jalap drink “a murderous dose” and said so in the newspapers.

From Literature

“That was ten ounces of blood. I’ll come back tomorrow to take another ten. She needs to purge the disease still in her stomach and bowels. She’ll need ten grains of jalap and ten grains of calomel. It will be dirty work to care for her, but it should clean her system efficiently.”

From Literature

At Barrett’s apothecary, Eliza purchased jalap and Bohea tea.

From Literature

“The price of jalap and tea has climbed to the clouds since the fever struck. If he really cared, he would charge a decent price instead of robbing the sick. Pharmacists and coffin makers are the only people who profit from this plague.”

From Literature